Life, 1914-09-17 · page 7 of 48
Life — September 17, 1914 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece critiques American trade policy during or after World War I. The top illustration shows a seesaw labeled "LIFE," with a wealthy figure (likely representing American business interests or aristocracy) on one end and a common person on the other, balanced on a globe—suggesting unequal global economic power. The article argues against paying higher prices for imported goods while American citizens struggle. It questions why domestic prices should remain elevated to benefit exports when "national governments are granted the control over their exports." The lower sketch depicts wealthy socialites at leisure, captioned "The Fag-End of the Season / If We All Did As We Felt Inclined," sarcastically contrasting privileged indifference with ordinary Americans' economic hardship. The satire advocates prioritizing American working-class welfare over elite interests.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Feed America First LMOST any little boy or girl can understand why we might have to pay more for some things which are imported into this country from war districts, That is a matter over which we have no control, We have to pay what is asked or go without. But can any little boy or girl tell why we should pay more for things which are exported? Alas and alack! the old-fashioned excuse that they who own the stuff arc anxious to be richer no longer suffices, We are trying to get away from the idea that we are a nation of cannibals feeding on each other. And there is such a simple way to fix it, possibly a number of simple ways. National govern- ments are granted the control over their exports and im- ports. How easy it would be to pass a law saying that no goods should be exported so long as the price here at home is higher than before the war rumors began, How would that be? We have always rather liked the slogan, “See America First”. Isn't “Feed America First” quite as euphonious and much more important? THE FAG-END OF THE SEASON IF WE ALL DID AS WE FELT INCLINED