Life, 1921-08-25 · page 6 of 34
Life — August 25, 1921 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece depicts a conversation between a postal worker and "Brother Hays" (likely referencing a public figure of the era). The postal worker complains about poor working conditions—specifically mentioning that nobody complies with postal regulations and that he's exhausted by the job's demands. When Hays suggests the worker could improve things through political activism or become Postmaster-General, the worker dismissively responds that he lacks the time and energy. The humor targets the gap between idealistic solutions proposed by authorities and the practical exhaustion facing ordinary workers. The cartoon critiques both the difficulty of the postal service's operations and the unrealistic expectations placed on workers by management, using gentle irony rather than sharp political attack.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Sanctum Talks sc OOD morning, Lire.” “Hello, Brother Hays. Say, what are you trying to do to us, any- way?” “What do you mean “T mean, are you trying to make our postal service so good that nobody is go- ing to complain about it?” “My dear Lire, any postal service would be good after Burleson. That man—” “Don't, Mr. Hays, I beg of you! Pretty soon you'll be talking about Baker and Creel. What can I do for you?” “Oh, I just dropped in to get a few suggestions.” “Well, off hand, I'll give you a couple. Double the salaries of all the postmen, and cut down the expense of mailing periodicals one-half. That will do as a beginning.” “Umph! You must remember, even if I am Postmaster-General, I can’t do Serious-minded brother (to understanding sister): everything I want to. Now, can I?” “Well, there’s some truth in that. Still, it isn’t as bad as it might be, in that direction; you know, my dear fellow, that you might be President.” “True, true, and maybe I will be some day. I’m a fast worker. But I couldn’t conduct a presidential cam- paign for myself as I could for some- body else.” obody can, Mr. Hays, except possibly Bill Bryan or Henry Ford, or Mayor Hylan—” “And even at that—” “Yes, even at that. But, at any rate, don’t let your purely political activities take up too much of your time. We like our letters delivered promptly, even if we are not quite used to it.” “Trust me for that, Lire. time. Good-b: “Good luck No more T. L. M. No More Walks 'APTAIN KIDD strode from the modern lumber yard with a volley of angry oaths and a tight grip on cutlass. “Zounds!” he exclaimed to his lieutenant. “It’s impossible for a man to be a pirate in these extortionary times. One can’t even afford a plank!” ‘O matrimonial speedsters, divorce is just a detour. Look here, Sis, what am I to do about Eleanor’s birthday? You see, I can’t afford a really expensive present, and yet it must look as if I’d been fool- ishly extravagant. LIFE Lire’s Fresh Air Fund Lire’s Fresu Arr Funp has been tion for the past thirty-four years time it has expended $191,130.33 and has gi a fortnight in the country to 41,505 poor cin children. 7 Contributions, which are acknowledg: about three weeks after their receipt made payable to Lire's Fi sent to 598 Madison Avenu in Lire ld be ND, and Previously acknowledged Biglow, Barrett C — : k 1 B. McDougal, . E, Ward, Cranford, M, Lane, Cincinnati. Knight, Melrose, M Mrs, P. Melchee, Montreal, Henry W Whipp ‘anford, F. Barnard .O'Connor, Maas. (ook syersnced ; : 10.00 ward J. Berry, C , N 10-00 ; 10.00 . J. New Yor! * sees Mrs, James Barber, Englewood. N. J Josephine MeCrosky, New York... Ames Mitchell “In _me 2D: Vernon, », Versailles, K 10.00 1745 MA 00 Taunton, Mass........2...25 H. Morgan, Alliance, O- 00 G. N. G., Boston... H. Gledhill, § spistsmennes 00 . Ind... ... 6.00 Esther H. Luce, Vineyard Ha Ma 5.00 Roger Deering, Chica . $0.00 In memory of “Fs 10.00 ( 3.00 2 10:00 Lovejoy, Schenectady, N’ Y.:2) 50.00, B. Mallett, Bangor, Me. If Boys Were in the Real Estate Business ARM FOR SALE—Right near ¢ uine haunted No school- house, Sunday school or dentist for miles Just the place to go barefoot. Also easy hunting on neighbor’s land. Swimming hole, fishing and worms. No bathi-tub. All modern conveniences, including ban- ister without slivers. Veranda of soft wood and good for whittling, Cellar makes _ first-class Roof qui climbed. Large barn with several win- dows still to be aimed at. Just the thing for circus, Indians, fist fights, etc. Also two acres for baseball and bonfires. Also blackberry bushes in every direction. Also apple orchard and spruce tree in front of house dripping with swell cum. Owl hoots every night. Also frogs. All kinds of snakes; hedgehog and skunk near by waiting to be stoned. Offer includes two scarecrows in good condition, one old but nice white horse and Rover. Come for inspection and get first good look at real poison ivy. Address Master Robert Jones, 42 Maple St. or phone Engine 27. house. cave. i thre tion cha dus Mr res! zat star cho sto! sur cee ard sta comicbooks.com