Life, 1915-01-28 · page 8 of 40
Life — January 28, 1915 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes **neutrality** during wartime (likely WWI era, given references to Wall Street and fear of war). The top article mocks American claims of neutrality, arguing that true neutrality is impossible—neutrals still profit from war through trade and finance. The cartoon titled "SEEING NEW YORK" depicts a wealthy gentleman smugly sitting with companions, apparently representing how the rich exploit war opportunities while professing neutrality. The lower cartoon shows a street scene with a caption about jail sentences and hunger strikes, likely referencing labor unrest or political activism—suggesting the government's harsh treatment of dissidents contradicts claims of neutral, democratic principles. The "Exit an Old Friend" section discusses New York banning roller-towels for hygiene reasons, presented as progress replacing outdated practices—a metaphor for abandoning false neutrality.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
lial PVE * Neutrality jJEUTRALITY is the enforced repression of instinctive belligerency. It is the foundation stone of modern civilized so- ciety—so-called. A savage is never a neu- tral; that is why savages are happy only in warfare. Without neutrality there would be a constant clashing and re-clashing of interests. Without neutrality our Senators and Representatives all would have over- developed forearm muscles and flattened noses. Men are more prone to be neutral than they confess. Many sit home on Sunday morning because they are neutral; they re- fuse to take sides between God and the devil. Then, whether they ascend or descend to their last-abiding place, they at least can- not be accused of open antagonism: To-day neutrality combines the art of diplomatic aloof- ness and the science of grasping the other fellow's fading opportunities for trade. A neutral philanthropist may send food and clothing to the suffering, he may ship guns and powder to their enemies. He gives visible expression to his desire to aid both—that’s neutrality. Political neutrality is the sublime acumen that enables “ JUDGE, 1 WARN YOU; IF YOU GIVE ME A JAIL SENTENCE J SHALL START A HUNGER STRIKE AT ONCE” “MADAM, IF I WERE A BEAUTY DOCTOR THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT 1 SHOULD PRESCRIBE” SEEING NEW YORK a man to sit astraddle the fence until the right moment comes to flop quickly on one side and seize the red apples left by the unsuspecting gentleman with the whiskers. On the mental litmus war gives us red, while fear of war gives Wall Street the blues. Therefore, says the President, we must remain neutral—a perfect white. W.W. Reid. Exit an Old Friend 'HE roller-towel, that immortal symbol of all printing offices, has been buried in the dim.past. In New York the State Board of Health has recently given an order banishing it from public use. Thé man who invented the roller-towel, like the man who first swallowed an oyster, is unknown. He created his great invention on that deathless spring that bubbles in every human breast; namely, hope. In every roller- towel, and for every human being, there is always one spot that we hope has eluded the vigilance of other and perhaps greater minds than ours. Thus inspired by con- summate patience, founded upon immediate necessity, has mankind gone on turning over the roller-towel. Farewell, sinful comrade of the past. Thy dark form is cast in the eternal shadows by the bright rays of the new hygienic sun. comichoo!