Life, 1915-08-12 · page 27 of 40
Life — August 12, 1915 — page 27: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes University of California President Benjamin Ide Wheeler's perceived pro-German sympathies, likely during World War I or the period leading to American entry (1914-1917). **The Setup:** The cartoon uses a "confidence man" framing device where "Life" (the magazine, personified) converses with UC as a worried institution. UC confides that President Wheeler is troublingly pro-German—he gives German speeches, supported Belgium's enemies, and allegedly never recovered from dining with the Kaiser. **The Satire:** The piece mocks both Wheeler's apparent German sympathies and UC's passive response ("watchful waiting"). It contrasts Eastern establishment attitudes with Western American ideals, suggesting that a Pacific university should embrace democratic rather than autocratic values. **The Point:** This is political pressure disguised as gossip—shaming an educational leader for insufficient patriotism during a period of intense anti-German sentiment in America.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
On Life’s Wire LLO. ees” “ This is the University of California speaking.” “You don’t say. It is incredible that a voice should carry so plainly clear across the continent. What can we do for you?” “Can you keep a secret, Lire?” “ Absolutely and inviolably. It is one of our specialties.” “Well, then, I want to say confiden- tially that we are worrying consider- ably about our president.” “Mr. Wheeler?” “ Full title, please. Dr. Benjamin Ide Wheeler.” “ What has he been doing, U, of C.?” Lire?” Confidence Man: 1 SEEN HIM FIRST, JOE His Pal: et’s Toss ror HIM “He is so markedly pro-German, By making German speeches and in other ways he has manifested a profound love for the Kaiser's Kapers. He even interfered with activities here on behalf of poor, downtrodden Belgium.” “This is highly interesting, to be sure. How do you account for such a curious idiosyncrasy? Has he ever before given evidence of autocratic and militaristic proclivities?” “Never so offensively, Lire, Some ascribe the trouble to the fact that Dr. Wheeler once experienced the supreme honor of dining with the Kaiser. The event is thought to have made such a deep impression upon him that he has never recovered. Believe me, Lire, tt is unpleasant. Out here in the rough and rugged West we have the notion that an educational institution should have democratic and not autocratic ideals.” “And you are perfectly right, Uni- versity of California. If the facts are as you say you are entitled to much sympathy. What are you going to do about it?” “ Haven't quite decided yet. Perhaps a little more watchful waiting will do no harm, but you can readily under- stand that it is a tremendous strain on the temper. I am still hoping it won't reach the bursting point.” “That's the proper spirit, University of California. Don’t do anything rash.” “Tl try not to. comicbooks.com