Life — January 29, 1914 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers This page contains political satire about naval spending and Congressional committees. The main poem "King Committee" (attributed to Amos K. Wells) mocks a Congressional Committee personified as an arrogant, obstructionist entity. The Committee brags about its power to block bills, hide legislation in "cubby-holes," and frustrate the democratic process through bureaucratic obstruction and sarcasm ("Pah!"). The accompanying article "That Naval Holiyear" discusses prolonged naval appropriations debates, suggesting the Committee's delays waste taxpayer money while preventing practical improvements. The cartoon illustrations show casual domestic scenes, contrasting with the serious political critique—likely emphasizing how Congressional obstruction affects ordinary citizens. The satire targets legislative gridlock and committee power as obstacles to governance.