Life, 1923-11-22 · page 6 of 34
Life — November 22, 1923 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three distinct pieces: 1. **"The New-Voes Adore the Opera"** (top right): A humorous poem mocking wealthy New York society women ("New-Voes") who attend the opera primarily for socializing rather than appreciating the music. They're depicted as indifferent to the actual performance, instead enjoying the fashionable venue, refreshments, and gossip. 2. **"Ethics of Enforcement"** (middle left): A satirical dialogue about a New Jersey police raid campaign. The Principal Enforcement Officer boasts about planned raids, but the humor suggests ineffectiveness or corruption—"expecting results" implies previous failures. 3. **"Blacksmith/Miss Centaur" cartoon** (bottom): A slapstick illustration depicting a blacksmith fitting a shoe on a centaur (half-woman, half-horse mythological creature), with the centaur requesting two smaller sizes. The joke plays on the absurdity of the situation.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE = OU ARE ABOUT TO MEET WITH. AN AXE-I Ethics of Enforcement “ RE the plans complete for the New Jersey campaign?” asked the Principal Enforcement Officer. “They are,” said his subordinate. “Have you announced in all the newspapers that we intend to conduct a series of raids?” “Yes, sir. Here are the clippings.” “And have you given out the name of the man in charge?” “Not only his name, but his most recent photograph.” “Is there any possibility that any one in New Jersey can have failed to hear about our plans?” “None whatever.” “Then you may start raiding. And remember, this time I expect results.” The New-Voes Adore the Opera 'HE New-Voes adore the opera. They go every Monday. That is, of course, during the “season.” They wouldn't dream of going, otherwise. Certainly not! And they have such a nice box. It's so comfortable. They have a bridge table in it. And a Mah Jong set. And all sorts of games and puzzles. And a most appetizing buffet. And there is always something on ice. Something bubbly and fizzy. Of course, it is the center of gayety. Particularly during the middle of any opera. And such a jolly crowd. Every one says such amusing things. And tells such diverting stories. And completely drowns out the music. Besides, they never listen, anyway. Nor do they ever have the slightest notion of what the performance is all about. But they have such a good time. No wonder they adore it. They go every Monday. Cc. G. S. CAPITAL and Labor resent the idea of the public’s acting as referee of their fight. They prefer it to enact the role of innocent bystander. Ses 7 Ila sty Blacksmith: THIS SHOE FITS PERFECTLY, PERFECTLY. Miss Centaur: THEN GIVE ME ONE TWO SIZES SMALLER. comicbooks.com