Life, 1928-08-02 · page 31 of 36
Life — August 2, 1928 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **reader letters and advertisements** rather than editorial cartoons. The main satirical content is the opening letter from J.W. Calhoun (Austin, Texas), which mocks political campaigning. It describes a candidate who, after claiming he'd conduct a "high plane" campaign, then descends into personal attacks—threatening to expose his opponent's grandfather's expulsion from the state, his father's criminal past, and his wife's year abroad. The satire's point: politicians claim dignity but resort to "BUNK" (lies and scandal-mongering), yet voters remain fascinated and engaged. Calhoun cynically observes that such spectacle—while unethical—actually drives civic participation and election turnout, making the country "safe" through sheer distraction. The second letter advocates for drunk-driving awareness, and a third offers vague praise for Life's cover. The remainder is **period advertising**: Beeman's Pepsin Gum (claiming digestive benefits), steamship travel to Europe, and Wilson golf equipment—typical commercial content of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
B S8aRaa aGRE s i a wy rk ag oge eat ee S| * ks thus: “My Fellow Country- 208 tad hoped that this campaign might be conducted on that high plane to which the exalted office that is its prize entitles it. But it seems that this is not to te. My opponent, yielding to the base im- pulses ot his own vile and_ villainous nature, has attempted to poison the minds of the good pee-pul of this state against me. But it shall never be said that | rested under the calumny of the black- guard or refused to fight the Devil with fire. I shall use the only weapons that aan reach this reptile opponent of mine, | shall meet him in the arena of his choosing. 1 shall begin with his grand- father, who was run out of the state by a vigilance committee; T shall continue with his father and show you how he escaped the penitentiary by selling out his associ- ates, and will tell you why my opponent's wife spent last year abroad. And these will only be the beginning.” When matters have reached this stage we begin to be interested. We crowd to hear the speaking, we shout and roar and have fist hghts, By Election Day we can think of nothing else. We go to the polls and cast a record vote. The citizens are awake. The country is safe. Thanks to the political liar—thanks to BUNK. Who was elected?—Oh, no matter, that is of no importance. J. W. Caruoun. Austin, Texas. THE DRUNKEN DRIVERS To tHe Error oF Lire. Str: The newspapers all are giving you the credit for the Safe & Sane Fourth. Why has not the time arrived for you to put your influence in favor of Dry Automobile Drivers? With practically an auto for every family in the United States, has not the question been taken out of Personal and State Rights into the Life or Death class? I cannot think of anything that would be a greater benefit to all the people than a concerted effort by the newspapers and magazines to arouse public opinion against the man who drinks and drives, en- dangering precious lives. Your work for the Fourth of July has been worth all the magazine has cost, and now will you not add to your crown this great work? G. E. Wueecer. Sprincrieto, Vr. WE CAN'T IMAGINE WHICH WEEK YOU MEAN To tne Eptror oF Lire. Sur: Well, anyways, you had a pretty geotlooking cover on your magazine last week, J. A. Smevrie. Fort Scorr, Kansas. LIFE Eating too much 2 For over 30 years, people who know what they want and why they want it have preferred Beeman’s Pepsin Gum: Because of its smooth qual- ity and refreshing flavor—and be- cause Beeman’s Pepsin Gum aids digestion. Don’t forget your stick of eemans PEPSIN GUM ds Sy digestion Beeman’s after meals! To PARIS & ITALY Marseilles, Vienna, Trieste, Italy and Central Europe For a change—try this de luxe Southern Service to Paris, via Mar- seilles. World's fastest motor-ships to Paris, Vienna, Trieste, Rom the Riviera and Central Europe. The last word in luxurious accom- modations and cuisine. Motor ferry service—drive on here, drive off at destination—no crating or packing; surprisingly economical rates. Send for brochure of interiors, descrip- tions, rates, and sailing dates. Any Steamship Agent, or Direct to PHELPS & CO., General Agents Cosulich Line 19 Battery Place, New York Sail on World's Fastest Motor Ships SATURNIA VULCANIA 24000 Gross Tons— 24000 Gross Tons— No Smoke or Cinders No Smoke or Cinders ‘WILSON Famous for Her Superior Service to Italy VALVE FOR PUMPING UPBEFORE DRIVING 'OFE _ 51415107 This is patent No. 31415167, held by Sandy R. MeNiblic, Passaic, New Jersey. The in- ventor claims that itis impossible to lose this as long as the air pressure holds out and the player isnot deaf.Weregret tostate that these golf balls cannot be found on the mar- ket (or anywhere else) at the present time. ButWilson Colored Balls can befound.To be more exact, they can’t be lost. Colored in illiant Oriole-Orange or Canary-Yellow, they stand out like dandruff on a blue serge suit. Take your pick and drive off. HOL-HI a thoroughbred in perf $1L.00¢eech = ~ $10.75 per dozen DURA- DIST guaranteed for 72 holes 75 cents each $9.00 per dozen CHEERLIO guaranteed for 54 holes SOcentseach + - - - $6.00 per dozen ASK YOUR PRO OR DEALER e ; GOLF EQUIPMEN WILSON -WESTERN SPORTING GOODS CO. New York + Chicago - San Francisco comicbooks.com