Life, 1926-10-28 · page 5 of 36
Life — October 28, 1926 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes Prohibition-era crime and prison conditions. The "Crime Number" header frames the content as commentary on contemporary criminal justice. The main cartoon depicts a rum-running operation at a dock. A "Rum Runner" warns his boss that "there's a cop on the dock," with the boss dismissively responding that the captain promised to send "a whole squad to help us unload"—satirizing widespread police corruption during Prohibition. The joke suggests police were routinely bribed to assist bootleggers. The "All-Time All-American Prison Eleven" list is darkly humorous, presenting famous criminals as if selecting a sports team, with footnotes indicating executions, paroles, and escapes. This mocks both celebrity criminal status and prison conditions during this period.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
CRIME Affairs of State PLAlsty the affairs of the com- monwealth had reached a crisis. A conference was in progress, after a fashion, in the State House, with the Governor called in to give the group the benefit of his wisdom and advice. The tumult of excited voices fairly shook the walls of the room; charges and counter-charges were hurled by angry conferees. Above the din could be heard occasional phrases — “the reputation of the State.” “the crime of 1926,” “dis- grace to our citizenry,” “see what Hampsachusetts did,” “insult to the intellect and tastes of our voters,” and so on, through the long, hectic day, aud into the night. At last some one rose, and in a that was not to be drowned ntlemen, as a compromise that we choose green letters nk background.” The motion was seconded and promptly carried by » vote unanimous, if jaded. voice cried, NUMBER They had been selecting the col- ors for the State automobile license plates for 1927. T. C. O'Donnell. A Good Beginning ILL you love me for ever?” pleaded the young suitor. “I can’t tell that,” coyly replied the sweet young flapper as she gazed at the beautiful necklace he had given her, “but I love you for the present.” Nowadays IRST ENGLISHMAN: So Cap- tain Chumpley of the Channel boat is going to resign? What's the matter? . Seconp Enouisuman: Too many jay-swimmers, REDICTION—It will be a long century and a half before Phila- delphia stages another Sesqui. All-Time All-American Prison Eleven (Chosen by a Vote of Wardens) » * Sing Sing, "18... .1 12964 687+ Joliet, ’ 1492f San Quentin, X114¢ Leavenworth, 26011§ Atlanta, 119} Auburn, * 27B Stillwater, ’28. A21-6 N. J. Reformato 987123|] Cook County. AA364 The Tombs, '26 0Z Blackwell's Island, *Electrocuted, tLifer. tParoled. SEscaped (a neat job, too). Out on appeal ITLE for a new popular song: “There Were No Good Jobs Left in Heaven, So They Gave Saint Peter the Gate.” Rum Runner: turre’s a cop ON THE Dock! His Boss: oNty ONE? CAN You BEAT THAT! THE CAPTAL A WHOLE SQUAD TO HELP US UNLOAD. PROMISED Hk’D SEND DOWN comicbooks.com