Life, 1914-10-29 · page 16 of 44
Life — October 29, 1914 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satire mocks Western powers' hypocrisy toward China during the early Republican period (post-1912, likely referencing Yuan Shikai). China, adopting Western dress, Christianity, and democratic governance, appeals for recognition and aid. The Powers respond with condescending pidgin English ("Chin-chin Chinaman, bow-wow-wow"), refusing to help despite encouraging Westernization. The joke targets Western imperialism: Western nations demand China modernize and "civilize," but refuse reciprocal support. References include England's opium trade, France's indifference, and Wilson's evasiveness. The cartoon suggests the Powers view China as perpetually inferior—adopting Western ways doesn't grant equal status or assistance. The pidgin dialect itself is the satirical vehicle, exposing Western contempt beneath claims of moral superiority. The secondary cartoon about the German professor on a geyser is an unrelated joke.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“alenIGEAEX" An Appeal from Cathay say, “Soon we get Lepublic all we can, Civilized allec same nicee Melican.” So she go makee war, kickee—kickee throne, Catchee Mr. Yuan Shai Kai le Plesident her own. Velly good. Next she do she teleglaph the Powers, “Nicee time to lecognize the Kingdom of the Flowers!” But all um Powers he stand um "lound, winkee--wink tha: way, Kow-tow velly ‘pologize—and this is what he say: “Chin-chin Chinaman, wassa malla you? How you know What you go Permanently do? Kickee throne, cAskee loan, Ma plenty row- Chin-chin Chinaman, bow-wow-wow!” China say, “Now we wear all same Clistian clo’es, Chop-chop pigtail, derby hat, fancee silkce hose We no more go alound in big pajama coat; Now we all same Johnnie Drew, Also we got vote. Heathen Devil go to church—China hoy do same; We learn bridge, piano-play, golf and baseball game, Wha’ fo’ you no lecognize our govelment this day?” But all um Powers make finger-nose and this is what he say: “ Chin-chin Chinaman, velly, velly daft. If so be You are free Where atch wm graft? Who know? Mebbe so— We too busy now. Go ‘way, Chinaman; bow-wow-wow!” China say, “It velly stlange how Clistian nations act! Ask us all, ‘Be Clistian, please!’ yet when we do in fact, What White Nation help um us? Whichee-whichee way Can poor Chine turnce head except to U. S. A.? Emplor Willie velly mean; Flance he heap mad, too; England sell us opium, but help he no can do, Mebbe Woolrow Wilson man he list to our ki-yi.” Wherefore High Up Wilson man he makee this reply: “Chin-chin Chinaman, muchee likee help—— Six power gloup Too much whoop, Make Mongolia yelp. Willie Jennee Blyan man mebbe help somchow— Chin-chin Chitiaman, bow AN OLD-FASHIONED COUKTS IEP GERMAN professor from E; Once sat on a somnolent geyser. When the geyser awoke (And here comes the joke), The guide said, “There gocs a wise guy, sir.” WOULDN'T IT HAVE BEEN EASY TO STOP THEM FROM SPEEDING IN THE ANTEDILUVIAN AGE? ———ee cS comicbooks.com