Life, 1911-08-10 · page 13 of 40
Life — August 10, 1911 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains a satirical cartoon labeled "RICH MAN—POOR MAN—BEGGAR MAN—THIEF" depicting four men in conversation. The accompanying text discusses Morocco's political status and colonial interests, mentioning "William" arguing about whether Morocco should be divided between France and England. The cartoon appears to satirize the geopolitical maneuvering over Morocco's future—treating the colonial powers as characters in the nursery rhyme. The "rich man" likely represents wealthy colonial interests, while the progression suggests how colonial ambitions operate across different social classes and moral standings. A secondary article, "A Problem in Finance," discusses mortgage and automobile financing concerns. The satire critiques European imperial competition over North African territories during the early 1900s colonial period.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
You can practice that on the Dict or with Cousin George, but not with an old newspaper man who has controlled things as long as I have. The question is, what are we going to do with Morocco. Mulai-Abd-el-Hafid means well, but, between you and me and France, things can't go on there like this forever.” With this William got up and, coming over and sitting down on the arm of my chair, said: “You're a wonder! I thought my intentions about Mo- rocco were known to nobody. I thought everybody was so in- terested in the coronation, and my bureaucratic autocracy, and my lovely talk about peace and the brotherhood of man, that they hadn't given a thought to Morocco.” “Don't fool yourself. You don't suppose 1 would have dropped things at home unless I had a pretty well defined idea that something was going to happen. My boy, you mustn't.” “What do you mean?” “Exactly what I say. Morocco eventually will be divided equally among you and France and England, but not now, not now. Wait until it has been scientifically managed for a while and begins to pay. I’m going to put Mulai eventually where he belongs—in charge of one of our New York department stores—in return for all their advertising; meanwhile let him be Emperor of Morocco until things take their natural course. I knew what you were up to; I saw at the coronation you intended to make trouble. But it won't do. You think this GGAR MAN—TIIEP over, In the meantime I’m going out to get an ice-cream soda and see if those clothes of yours have been altered prop- erly to fit me.” The great beauty of all diplomacy is knowing when to stop. William wanted to argue the matter, but I would have none of it, That night at the ball he took me aside. “You were right,” he whispered. “ You came in the nick I was thinking of Morocco. I never had a better army or navy, and I made up my mind that now was the time to stir up a row, before the next Peace Tribunal meets in But I suppose, if you are against it, I would better of time, Paris. wait.” And yet we newspaper men are blamed for everything. If T hadn't got here just as I did anything might have happened. Now, however, that the peace of Europe is assured for the present, I rest ea! By the send me my evening clothes. There isn't a tailor in the German Empire who knows his business. J. Bounper Battixcrorp. A Problem In Finance “D ERKINS looks worried. on his mind.” Yes. He's trying to figure how to fit a 1910 mortgage to a 19tt touring car.” Must have some big problem comicbooks.com