Life, 1926-10-07 · page 40 of 44
Life — October 7, 1926 — page 40: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page mixes advertisements with satirical commentary typical of Life magazine's editorial approach. **"Ma Goose" verse** mocks Congressional dishonesty—a congressman admits to three speeches: one for constituents, one as a "feeler," and two paid for by lobbyist Mr. Wheeler. The satire targets corruption and the gap between public service and private financial interests. **"America Thinks First"** by Carroll Carroll satirizes American obsession with superlatives and "firsts." The essay humorously catalogs how Americans compulsively label achievements as "first"—first National Banks, first grades, first basemen. It references real figures like swimmer Gertrude Ederle and President Coolidge while extending the logic absurdly (first pike caught at specific times; first dogs/cats/Siamese twins to the North Pole). The satire critiques American materialism and vanity disguised as patriotism. **"Crash!"** is a brief joke about theater gallery collapse where pantomime (silent performance) became necessary. The remainder comprises product advertisements (Absorbine Jr. liniment, Silver King golf balls).
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Life Break up Congestion Apply Absorbine, Jr. when the first warning twingescome. Itrous- ¢s the circulation, and brings quick relieftothecongestedarea. Follow- ing the relaxed tension of the mus- cles, the pain and ache quickly disappear. Absorbine, Jr. keeps muscles and joints limber and free from stiffness, Rub it in freely —it does not burnt Send for free trial bottle 'W.F. YOUNG, Inc. Springfield, Mass. Absorbinesr Ma Goose BAs BAA Congressman, Have you any bull? Yes, sir, kind sir, Three speeches full. One for constituents, Just for a feeler, And two for honorariums Paid by Mr. Wheeler. America Thinks First VER since George Washington 4 was “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his country- men,” his countrymen have had an unquenchable passion for firsts. Every little town in the country has a First National Bank; every school has a first grade, and every baseball team has a first baseman. It was the American Red Cross that in- vented First Aid to take care of the people who were hurt trying to get into Broadway first nights. We col- lect first editions and marry other men’s first wives. Our passion for firstness has now reached into the realms of sport and adventure to such an extent that every one who does something has to be the “first” in his class. Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim the English Channel. But she was really a girl. Then came Mrs. Cor- son. She was the first mother to swim the English Channel. The English Channel First Swimming honors are still open to a girl blue eyes, one whose name begins with P, one who has_ personally shaken hands with Calvin Coolidge and one who is a_boa-constrictor fancier. The North Pole was discovered. But lately it has been reached by the first man to fly there in a lighter- than-air machine, the first man to fly there in a heavier-than-air ma- chine and the first dog (honestly) to fly over the North Pole. First hon- ors are still open to cats and canary birds (under own power), and as yet no set of Siamese Twins has been to the pole. The first pike our President | catches receives considerable space, but so does the first pike after breakfast, the first pike caught at 10:21 a, M. and the first pike that got I think this is the first time this All-American trait has been noticed. Carroll Carroll. Crash ! PANny: Were you in that theatre the other night when the gallery post gave way? Monta: Yes, and I tell you pan- tomime ruled for some time. ILVER KING golf balls take one big hazard from the noble game of gowf! You are certain that, no matter what else may be wrong with your game, your golf ball is perfect. It’s good psychol- ogy to use a Silver King. ...- Most golfers find they get 15 to25 yards farther and putt better with this best of all good golf balls! STILL A DOLLAR -no raise in the price Wholesale Golf Distributors comicbooks.com