Life, 1926-05-06 · page 43 of 52
Life — May 6, 1926 — page 43: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a satirical piece presenting a mock "Constitution" for what appears to be an imaginary utopian (or dystopian) society, attributed to Herman J. Mankiewicz. The articles parody both idealistic reform proposals and absurd governance ideas popular in the 1920s. Key satirical points include: eliminating taxes entirely (Article Seven), drafting armies of 250,000 annually, enslaving publishers and ticket speculators (Article Nine), and permanently freezing the Constitution against amendment (Article Ten). The reference to ex-Mayor John F. Hylan becoming "permanent Governor" suggests mockery of NYC political figures and their ambitions. The satire targets progressive Era reform rhetoric—taking sincere-sounding utopian proposals to logical absurdities. The Fougère Royale shaving cream and Silver King golf ball advertisements bookend the content, typical of Life's format mixing editorial satire with commercial ads.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE f gin, except for export purposes strictly. prohibited | Play the SILVER Article Four Titeataican productions st ited annually to the Artists and M under the joint direction of Florenz Ziegfeld, Sam H Har Earl Carre Whit and Shuberts, Imission shall he presentat . George free, with the expenses to be paid by er Stipends Article Five Ex-Mayox Joun F. permanent Governor tirement, HYLAN is to be Upon his _re- a successor, with a life-term, is to be chosen by ex-Judge Olvat Article Six Tue right to vote pu Miss Spence the ng F 1 bels. The votes, however, shall not be is limited to the the ¢ y fifty Gim counted. NLIKE any other shav- U ing preparation— simply because it gives men the refreshing shave. Quite naturally it is favored by men who habitually seek the best. HOUBICAN | ougere bal Fougere Reyale Cream, Soe: Takewm,$ EaaVeeetale, $1.23. Facial Soap, 30%, Article Seven Tnexe shall be no taxes. year, be Once a of 250,009 shall be drafted, a all mare wever, an army pon Pent ticut, N ¢ of steal sary for the comfort and pleasur all citizens. Article Eight Wirt one exception, the sident . 1890, shall be admit against an ad tax of $10,000. Article Nine Stavery shall ticket : publishers of trade journals shall t ntly impressed into slavery, without the privilege of appeal Article Ten Tux. shall never be any additions or amendments to the Constitution as adopted. Citizens desiring the © of any law shall consider the desired law as in operation affect- ing themselves exclusively. Herman J. Mankiewics, Opportunity HOLLY Everything touches turns to gold Potty: 1-1 wonder if he'd put his hand on the bracelet you gave me Blank HILOSOPHY for a chorus girl— Grin and bare it HOSE fellows whose game is more like hunting and trapping than ic is like golf, above all others, ought to use a Silver King. The psychology of the thing is potent. It’s a big help to have the best! Most golfers find that they get 15 to 25 yards farther when they play this best of all good golf balls! STILL A DOLLAR -no raise in the price VAN" Pca Wholesale Golf Distributors comicbooks.com