Life — October 8, 1914 — page 28: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

632 i is cos oa Teseiing the Young Idea How to Shoot “NJOW Harold,” said his father, “I want you to understand all about the great war, so that when you grow up you will be able to think about it intelligently.” “Oh, father, I am so glad that you are going to tell me, because you know so few parents nowadays take the trouble to instruct their children.” “That is true, my son, and for this reason I am anxious to prove the ex- ception. Do you, therefore, ask me questions.” “Can I ask you any question I like?” “Certainly, Harold; that is what I am here for, Don’t be bashful or afraid to show your own ignorance. Remember that I shall not tell others how little you know.” “Thank you, father; that makes me feel much better, and I shall begin now, First, then, who started the war?” “Well, you see, Harold, it was like this, First Russia mobilized and then Germany mobilized and——" “But what made Russia do that? And what does it mean to mobilize?” “Why, it means to get ready—to notify everybody that they are to fight.” “But what if they don’t want to?” “They do, Harold, That's the re- markable thing. Everybody wants to fight just as soon as war is declared.” “Oh, yes, father, I feel that way sometimes. But who started it?” “ Just a moment, Harold. You must be paticnt. You see, Russia mobilized “But what made Russia mobilize?” “Because of Servia.” “What was the matter with Servia?” Servia wouldn’t do what Austria said.” But why not?” “Because Austria was too mad.” “Why did Austria get mad?” “The crown prince was killed.” “And is that what they are at war for, papa?” “Well, not exactly, Harold. You see, there are other things to be con- sidered. England, for example, is fighting on account of Belgium.” “What has Belgium got to do with at?” Nothing at all, my son, except that Belgium happened to be in the way.” “In the way of what?” “Why, of Germany. I don’t want to complain, Harold, because you are so young, but really your ignorance is appalling.” “I'm awfully sorry, papa, because T do so want to understand. Just tell me one little thing. What are Ger- many and Russia and England and France and all the rest fighting about?” “Hum—well, you’ see, France and England are democratic and Germany is autocratic, and. e. “What is Russia “Well, Russia, I suppose, is auto- cratic, too.” “Oh, I see; and who is Russia fight- ing, papa?” “Why, Germany, of course.” “I don’t know what an au—au— autocracy is, papa, but why should one of them fight another?” “You see, Harold, Russia is doing it on account of Serv “What is Servia?” “T will tell you that a little later, Harold.” “I'll bet it’s another one of those autocracies, But, papa, you haven't yet answered my questions.” “Dear, dear! Are you sure? What are they?” “Well, I wanted to know who started it and what they are all fight- ing for.” “Certainly, Harold—but I think for the present you'd better stop, I don’t want to tire your young mind with those intricate questions which only one of my experience and maturity can understand.” “Then you won't tell me, papa?” “Not just now, Harold. Come around again when you feel more in- telligent and I will tell you. Now run away and play. Papa feels a little tired himself this morning.” T.L.M. THAT ECSTATIC MOMENT WHEN, AFTER YOU HAVE FREELY EXPLAINED THE WAR SITUATION TO A CHANCE ACQUAINTANCE, YOU FIND HE IS GENERAL BLANK, THE LEADING MILITARY AUTHORITY comicbooks.com