Life, 1913-07-24 · page 10 of 40
Life — July 24, 1913 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two sections satirizing American political and social attitudes of the early 20th century. **"Circumstances Alter Cases"** quotes Charles Campbell Jones to mock how principles shift conveniently with circumstance—the epigraph suggests temptation easily overrides stated virtue. **"Sanctum Talks"** features a dialogue where someone named Felix (likely General Félix Díaz, given the Spanish reference) seeks American support, claiming respectability and patriotic credentials. The satire targets American foreign policy: a character promises aid to this stranger while admitting prominent Americans similarly seek favors, yet warns Felix he faces obstacles including needing "good clothes and manners"—mocking how superficial requirements mask deeper prejudices. The final caption "WHY IS IT EVER THUS?" suggests chronic American hypocrisy regarding intervention and aid.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
146 Circumstances Alter Cases “IQE sure your sin will find you out.” So runs the ancient word, And yet the full time-honored phrase Seems sometimes quite absurd ; Temptation calls in varied guise, Were this a proper sin I'm sure it would not find me out, But rather find me in. Charles Campbell Jones. Sanctum Talks “(OOD morning, Lire.” “Ah, Felix Diaz! What are you doing in these parts? Borrowing money?” “No, Lire. Trying to re-establish myself in the good graces of the American people.” “Well, you are not the only one who is trying to do that. Some of our most prominent Americans are in the same boat with you, and between you and me, Felix, they are not succeeding very well.” “Perhaps as a stranger I may do better. I am really quite respectable.” “You interest me.” “ And essentially hones “You astonish me!” “And apparently courageous.” “You amuse me!” “And intensely patriotic.” “You delight me!” “Then Lire, if you are so amused, astonished and delighted at my hum- bte self, why will not you and your country receive me with open arms? Especially considering my family!” “There is only one little obstacle to that, General Diaz; you wear good clothes and your manners are delight- ful, but unfortunately you are not alone.” “You mean—" “The rest of you.” “Ob—the rest of us.” “Yes—Huerta, and a few others I might mention. Besides, General, we are pretty busy just now.” “What would you suggest?” “Well, come around, say in a coupie of hundred years—when you have learned a little regard for others—a little political honor—and_ incidentally how to govern yourself.” “And until then, Lire?” til then, au revoir.” WHY IS IT EVER THUS? comicbooks.com