Life, 1912-08-08 · page 23 of 40
Life — August 8, 1912 — page 23: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The page contains two political opinion pieces rather than cartoons. **"Getting the Best of Socialism"** contrasts Socialism (idealistic, gradual, based on brotherhood) with Syndicalism (practical, militant, willing to use force immediately). The writer argues that while Socialism offered noble ideals, Syndicalism has proven more effective at advancing labor's cause by adopting the plutocrats' own aggressive tactics. The piece suggests uniting both movements could create a new society. **"Lifeboats"** uses maritime metaphor to critique American politics. The "ship of state" is in trouble: Republicans are "sagging," Democrats "dragging anchors," Socialists "overcrowding steerage," and Prohibitionists "taking water." The writer warns of dangerous "breakers" ahead, particularly in the South, and advises examining political "safety devices"—a veiled call for caution amid political turbulence. The image shows children at a park gate, titled "A Bachelor in the Making"—apparently depicting youthful innocence amid these adult political storms.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A BACHELOR IN THE MAKING Getting the Best of Socialism T is recorded in the history of in- ventions that the man who invents a big idea very rarely reaps the bene- fit. Some other fellow comes along with a practical bent and gets it away from him. Perhaps it is too early to make a positive prediction, but this seems to be the relationship between syndicalism and socialism. Socialism offered a new propaganda to a waking world. It was based upon the idea of the brotherhood of man, and in its highest aspects furnished an ideal for dreamers. Gradually the rich manufacturers were to be eliminated, and everything was to be all right in the course of time. Meanwhile along comes Syndicalism and grabs the reins for itself. Syndicalism does not believe in doing things gradually. Syndicalism is practical. When confronted by a situation, Syndicalism attempts no compromise, and does not parley, but it gets together and grabs everything in sight. Its justification lies in the fact that up to the present time the plutocrats have used that weapon for their own. They have not hesitated to tyrannize and to plunder. Syndicalists are only fighting them with their own weapons. Of course, Syndicalism will probably not control everything, but in a short space of time it has done more to ad- vance the cause of labor than the per- suasive arguments of the Socialists. The two are diametrically opposed to each other, but if it were possible to unite them would this not mean a new state of society? Lifeboats Is the ship of state carrying enough lifeboats? Things have looked pretty squally recently. The Republi- cans are showing a decided sag amid- ships. The Democrats are dragging several anchors. The Socialists are overcrowding the steerage and threat- ening to invade the upper decks. And the Prohibitionists have been taking water rapidly. Breakers have been sighted in several directions and seem particularly perilous in the solid South. The large stay-at-home vote would indicate the presence of an unusual amount of ice. ‘ The platforms are. thin and rickety. Also there has teen a large accumulation of mud in the political and oratorical channels. Let us look carefully to the safety devices. A lifeboat in time saves nine times nine. £0. J. comicbooks.com