Life, 1898-11-10 · page 3 of 20
Life — November 10, 1898 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 363 This page contains military satire from the WWI era. The top cartoon shows a cross-eyed captain telling observers "that ought to be easy" while chaos erupts—soldiers are being thrown by explosions. The joke mocks military incompetence and the disconnect between officers' confidence and battlefield reality. The middle panel, captioned "But He Shut The Wrong Eye," continues this theme of military mishap and poor judgment. The text below discusses a proposed public debate between General Shafter and R.H. Davis about the war, suggesting such a discussion "would undoubtedly excite very great interest." The piece humorously proposes other unlikely military figures (Generals Miles and Alger) might debate similar topics. The "Which?" poem satirizes confusion about who deserves credit in military campaigns.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
DS ut 363 “BAH!” SAID THE CROSS-EYED CAPTAIN. PUBLIC discussion of the campaign by General Shafter and Mr. R. H. Davis on the lecture platform would un- doubtedly excite very great interest, and elucidate many details of warfare as to “THAT OUGHT TO BE Easy.” BUT HE SUCT THE WRONG EYE, which readers are perplexed. It is a pity that the Investigating Commission has not arranged for. a dispute between them, Another colloquy might be ar- ranged for similar ends between General Miles and General Alger. While little is known positive about the relations of these gentlemen, it is widely believed that if they could meet and converse freely and frankly one with the other about the war, and tell what they know and think about it, and about one an- other, the Commission, if it happened to be present, could pick up a great many good ideas. Which? NE maiden fair kissed Hobson, Another kissed Depew ; Two men of reputation, And maidens likewise, too. From which bas grown a puzzle For those to guess who'd win: To wit: Wo know tho hero, Which was tho heroine? comicbooks.com