Life, 1925-08-20 · page 6 of 36
Life — August 20, 1925 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**Top Cartoon:** Titled "Why So Pensive, Spike?" — depicts a woman in ornate dress examining golf clubs while a man sits dejected. The caption references "a fancy costume to wear at the masked ball," suggesting social satire about fashion priorities during leisure activities. **Main Article: "The Calf of Gold"** — discusses Moses and the Children of Israel's religious disputes. A patriarch critiques the Ten Commandments as "carelessly and loosely drawn," questioning their constitutional validity and advocating amendments. This appears to satirize contemporary legislative debates by framing them through biblical analogy. **Bottom Section:** Brief humorous items including "Bliss for Two" (engagement joke) and "The Prof's Version" (illustrated gag about someone failing to catch naps). The page blends social satire with religious and political commentary typical of early 20th-century Life magazine humor.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“WHY SO PENSIVE, SPIKE?” “{ WAS THINKING OF A FUNNY COSTUME TO WEAR AT THE MASKED BALL.” The Calf of Gold HEN Moses descended — from Sinai, clasping in his arms the Tables of the Law, he found that dur- ing his absence the Children of Isracl had divided into two factions; one fac- tion called itself the Republicrats, and the other called itself the Democans “This is the Law,” declared the prophet, “that was given to me on Sinai...” The Children of Isracl gathered about him and examined the tables with curiosity. Finally one of the patriarchs (Rep.) spoke. “I have not had an opportunity to study them carefully,” he said, “but I am firmly opposed to their adoption. The commandments are carelessly and loosely drawn, I have serious doubts as to their constitutionality. Are we to barter away the rights for which we fought and suffered in Egypt?” Another patriarch (Dem.) arose. “A masterpiece of constructive legis- lation,” he said. “I am preparing cer- tain amendments and __ reservations which I shall introduce shortly. These Ten Commandments, as I believe they are called, are a step forward for our people. So far as they go they have my hearty indorsement.” Then arose Joshua, the mighty cap tain of the armies. “Tam not a lawyer,” he ¢xclaimed. “Lama plain blunt soldier. These laws may be all right, but our paramount duty is to look after those brave boys who fought the Battle of the Red Sea, Until an adequate bonus law is enacted I would be disloyal to my gallant com- rades-in-arms if I gave my approval to any other measure.” “These commandments are a rank picce of class legislation,” cried another patriarch (Ind-Rep.). “How the common people who own no man- servants and maidservants and— And then, as the Bible tells us, “Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.” about Newman Levy, Why Golfers Dub Their Shots HE ground is too wet. The ground is too dry. The clubs are old The clubs are new Because there are bets on the game. Because there are no bets on the game Well, if these girls insist on riding their horses all over the country— Bliss for Two “RILLY and [ are engaged” “You don't mean at! ‘o, but he thinks I do.” HE Prof’s Version: “The Old Gray Matter Ain't What It Used to Be." “THIS GUY ATN’T SO BRIGHT. S ‘Axce S36 — HE THOUGHT HE'D CATCIT ME NAPPIN’ LIKE HE pip YesTerpay.” comicbooks.com