Life, 1914-12-17 · page 13 of 40
Life — December 17, 1914 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes wartime patriotism and sacrifice during what appears to be World War I. The top section, "Some Good Acts (Off the Stage)," depicts civilians performing charitable duties: a man visiting a government office about "Lord me Five Shillings for France," a nurse tending wounded soldiers, and a woman knitting socks—common home-front contributions. The lower section, titled "Protest," mocks a resolution by subjects criticizing American neglect during the war, demanding press subsidization. The cartoons suggest ironic commentary on performative patriotism—people publicly demonstrating support for the war effort while the serious work of actual combat and sacrifice occurs elsewhere. The concluding illustration of a dog in a hat captioned "These Cradles Are a Joy" appears to mock trivial concerns amid wartime urgency.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Gels) Qe OEy * OFIKeE “Lend me Feve Shi fee France W113 — The quality of mercy "— Ellen Terr: qpaltty of mercy len Terry and Belgums refugees, ScRumonn-Heintl masterly rendering ° “Hons 5 jocks SOME GOOD ACTS (OFF THE in autos, and—oh, | don't know—everything! Say, father, is that true?” Harold’s father’s eyes glistened, to swell. His voice trembled with patriotic emotion, “My hoy,” he replied, “nothing on earth could please me more than to have you ask me such a question. From His noble chest began me you will learn the truth at last—eh, what's that?” “That's mamma coming downstairs. “Yes, Haroid,” said his father Here she is now.” s IT was saying, it is our one hope. Woman suffrage, my dear boy, is the only thing that can save this henighted country had better run out and put in your bicycle before it gets dark.” And now you Protest MEETING of subjects which were rivals to the great war was held yesterday afternoon to protest against the manner in which they were overshadowed by the said great war. The following resolution was unanimously adopted : Wuereas, for some months now we have been conscious of an almost constant neglect on the part of the American people; therefore be it Resolved, That the press be immediately subsidized, all stack) editorial pages suborned, and such other drastic measures he taken as may be necessary, in order that we once more get ourselves talked about. Among those who voted were: When-to-tell-the-chil- dren, : Colonel and Mrs. Bull-Moose, I. W. W. and Christian Science. Women Suffrage, Race Suic comicbooks.com