Life, 1914-09-03 · page 42 of 48
Life — September 3, 1914 — page 42: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertising** for biscuits and soap, but includes a substantial article titled "Voices" by E.S. Martin discussing prominent public intellectuals' views on World War I. The text references **H.G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw, Tolstoy, Kipling, and Chesterton**—major literary figures—commenting on the war. The article quotes Tolstoy's apparent prophecy that a writer/journalist from the North would reshape European politics, then sardonically suggests Wells might be that figure, given that actual politicians may not survive to redraw the map. The satire mocks how these celebrated writers publicly opine about geopolitics while offering conflicting advice (Wells wants to save Germany *after* defeating it; Shaw criticizes British conduct). The author implies their grand pronouncements are somewhat absurd given the war's actual chaos. The advertisements are period-typical: Nabisco Sugar Wafers, Adora wafers, and White Rose glycerin soap occupy the left column—utterly disconnected from the war discussion, reflecting how magazines balanced serious content with commerce.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Tl Through the World also has come the liveliest voice of all, H. G. Wells, sure of what he has to say and saying it with penetration; sure that “the monstrous vanity that was begotten by the easy victories of 1870-71" has come to its inevitable catastrophe; sure that “never was a war so righ- teous as is the war against Germany now”, glad it has come, glad to be in it, and keen to save the Ger- mans when they have had their licking. Twice Wells has called out to us. In his second vociferation he is sure that the Belgian check prefigures how the war is going, and proceeds to the subdivision of Europe with a view first to save Germany and next to make the rest of Europe politically comfortable. He does it with intelligence, so that one hopes that when the Powers get around to this duty of map-making they will call in Mr. Wells and get his == HESE incomparable sweets are the most universally popular of all dessert confections. Whether served at dinner, afternoon tea or any social gathering, Nabisco Sugar Wafers are equally delightful and appropriate. In ten-cent tins; also in twenty-five-cent tins. ADORA Wafers of pleasing size and form Another dessert delight. with a bountiful confectionery filling. the hostess. In ten-cent tins. es se = fa ANS = UaTARY ADORA; n WATERS AFnsso. Sod Spe WINANS < Ae ts > Another help to NATIONAL BISCUIT COMPANY ———— Voices (Continued from page 4oo.) proclaiming that “the future of free government of the modern world is now being safeguarded by blood and treasure by Britain” as it was in the days of Napoleon. We have had a remarkable voice from the dead, a vision of Tolstoi brought to notice and repeatedly re- printed, in which he foretold “the great conflagration” starting in 1912 and developing into a destructive ca- lamity in 1913, with all Europe in fiames and bleeding and filled with the lamentations of huge battlefields. Out of the North, Tolstoi said, would come in 1915 a strange figure, not a general, but a writer or a journalist, in whose grip most of Europe would remain until 1925. Finally would come a new political era for Europe, the end of empires and kingdoms, and the federa- tion of the United States of Nations to hold the world for the four great giants—the Anglo-Saxons, the Latins, the Slavs, and the Mongolians. And another voice from the dead is Na- poleon's: “In another hundred years Europe will be all republican or all Cossack.” Through the World George Bernard Shaw has expounded, not greatly to edification, the defects in the deport- ment of the British Government towards Germany. Bernard would have thrown a good scare into Ger- many in time to give her warning of what to expect. views. Of course, though, there may not be any available Powers left when the fighting stops. In that case what’s to hinder Brother Wells from mending the map himself! “A writer out of the North,” Tolstoi said, “is to have Europe in his hand for ten years!” There’s your chance, Brother Wells. Mr. Kipling must be talking to him- self. His voice at this writing is still inaudible. Possibly he is a believer in “blood and iron”, And though Ches- terton must be talking, up to this time of writing he has not talked over the cable. But, heavens! How he must be thinking! E. S. Martin, Send a 2¢ Stamp JUST look through this pure transparent soap, smell is delicate perfume, and feel its rich, creamy lather oF your face. You will never again be satisfied with a*7 toilet soap less pure and perfect. NAD te Rosey Insures a soft, clear, beautifal skin. Three generations of refined women on both sides'of the Atlantic have proven its merits, Sil in every country where beauty is admired or health desired. 4 your dry goods dealer or druggist at ISe. per cake. For sample trial cake, send 2c stamp. of package containing a sample cake of No. « Die bottle of No. 4 No TU Liguid White Rese Glycerine Soap. A new. convenient, delight/ul form of IMs refreshing s00p— sanitary, econom -