Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-12-09
Best JUDGES of Humor.

1t takes a better joke to make a Wo-
man smile than it takes to make mar
laugh for five minutes. A man will
la ugh at stale joke every time. but a
stale joke makes a woman feel like
weeping.
These are two Of the comparisons be-
tween the feminine and the masculine
senses of hunOr made by OreOla Will
ans Haskell in the current number of
rhe Club Woman. the official publica-
ion Of the General Federation of Wo-
mems Clubs:
"One of the differences between man
md woman" declares the writer land
me frequently alluded to by the former,
that he has a strong sense of humor
md she has none at all. This truth by
woman is accounted for by the fact
that her long association with man
through the centuries has effectively
knocked out whatever festive spirit she
,nce possessed. and man attributes his
easily aroused risibilities to a habit ac-
luired while observing the vagaries of
he feminine mind.
"Whatever the true explanation may
re. it is conceded by all that man would
rather laugh than weep. and that wo-
nan is at least undecided as to whether
she prefers to smile at a stale joke or
TO attend a tragic play with four pocket
landkerehiefs ready to dry her tears"
The writer objects strongly to mans
laht of making fun of his wifes short
comngs as a housekeeper to call forth
l laugh.
She urges that mans play upon wo-
mans Credulty is one of his chief joys
md, speaking of this, Mrs. Haskell de-
clareS:
Thus it is seen on what high plane
nan INDUCES his sense of humor. If
woman would be his true companion
ct her sympathize with and heartily
4njOy what amuses and attracts him
md appreciate the comic gems of which
he is the author. For woman must re-
member that we are put here to be dis
:iplined. and, though the funny side of
ife is often the saddeSt she must be
content to suffer, to pay for the ex-
luisite privilege of living in the same
world with him..
Speaking of the various kinds Of HUI
nor enjoyed by men and women, the
writer says:
AT the present time man evinces a
treat fondness for what may be called
physical humor. While the petticoated
portion of an audience will receive a
jaudeVille set-to with stolid indiffer-
9nce, what interest it awakens in the
Kind of people who have a proclivity
or rushing out between the acts.
when the heavy comedian comes
nut and greets IA diminutive companion
With such resembling whack on the
pack that the latter falls PROSTATE on |
he stage, the bass roar of the male |
voice peals from orchestra circle to |
highest balcony, while soprano giggle |
strangely silent. Again, when an in |
flvldual whom burnt cork and paint |
lave rendered almost unhuman por-
rays the inebrate with his zigzag
promenade and his hiccoughed utter
inceS, with what responsive glee he is
lailed by his own sex,
w oman lacks the keen intellect to
see the delicate wit in pugiliStic
humps rained on crouching shoulders
)r IN spasmOdic kicks that result in
TASTY and undignifed departures from
the scene of action. She is also with
put the power to appreciate the side
splitting humOr of a drunkard'S tum-
pies or rough -and-tumble fight. It is
man alone who can understand just
"nere the comic element comes in and
VINO can enjoy the fine shades Of dis
'i'c'ioh between punch and a pound,