Life, 1915-10-21 · page 40 of 52
Life — October 21, 1915 — page 40: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page mixes advertisements with political satire typical of Life's editorial voice. **"How Are His Spirits?"** critiques General Alexander von Kluck, a German WWI commander. The piece sarcastically questions whether his "spirits" have recovered along with his health. It compares him to Pickett (the failed Confederate general), suggesting von Kluck embodied German military disappointment—he advanced victoriously toward Paris, then retreated humiliated to the Marne. The satire emphasizes his fall from triumph to desperate survival, portraying him as symbolizing Germany's failed war ambitions. **"Kicking Against the Bricks"** attacks William Randolph Hearst for his pacifist stance. Life mocks him for adopting anti-war positions (allied with Bryan and others against President Wilson) while wearing military regalia—calling it ridiculous and hypocritical. The implication: Hearst's pacifism contradicts his bellicose public persona and weakens credibility compared to outright war advocacy. The remaining content is period advertising (Delco auto equipment, Old Overholt whiskey) and a gossip item about a woman repeatedly exchanging gifts.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
FELECTRICAL equip- ment has had much to do with the marvelous development of the auto- mobile during the last few years. The Delco System was the pioneer in the electric cranking, lighting and igni- tion field. Throughout the entire period of electrical develop- ment it has led the way. Today Delco factories are turning out upwards of 10,000 complete equip- ments a month, The Delco System of crank- ing, lighting and ignition has become an integral part of many of the foremost motor cars of this country. When buying an auto- mobile it is a good thing to inquire first of all whether or not it is Delco Equipped. The Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co. Dayton, Ohio How Are His Spirits? Berlin (via London), Sept. 29—General Alexander H. R. von Kluck is now fully restored to health and is living in his Berlin home. —News Item. UT how are his spirits? Are they, too, restored? He personified the great German disappointment. He is the Pickett of German aspirations, When he turned away from Paris after that wonderful march the edge of advancing eclipse became visible on the rim of Germany. He tasted the fruits of victory—ate grossly of them—only to throw them nearly all up and scurry, anguished and bleeding, back to the Marne. It was a dreadful come-down from that triumphant march to a gasping race back again to save his skin, Kicking Against the Bricks LLIAM HEARST’S new spike- helmet looks fairly well on him, but why should he have enlisted with the Kaiser? No doubt it was a case, if anything, to beat Wilson, but William will never beat him that way. It is a mighty hard situation for the gentlemen whose duties or perversities have put them in the line-up against the President. Even Mr. Simonds, ac- complished as he is, finds discrediting the President a boomerang job. As for Mr. Hearst, his long big-type pieces against the credit to our Ally customers are pathetic in their fatuity. Asa fire- eater yelling for war at any price he would at least seem Hearst-like, but as a pacifist, in with Bryan, Jeremiah O'Leary and the Ridders, he looks as ridiculous as he must feel. Habit “ISN'T it too bad?” asks the lady with the Russian boots. “ Mrs. Gonso has sued her husband for divorce and is going to marry that musician as soon as it is granted. And she and Mr. Gonso were married last Christmas day.” “T expected it,” says the lady with the new hair. “Lucy Gonso never got a present that she didn’t try to ex- change.” DIARY February 22,1820 Alargecoaching party came ‘up from town today and stopped at the Inn for an eacoltent ‘meal and the ever- popular Old Overholt Rye “Same for 100 years*” fh Nowadays, in this age of motoring, Old Overholt is still the popular choice. Men appreciateits uniform purity, © quality and flavor. Aged 4 in the wood, bottled in bond. A. OVERHOLT & CO. Pittsburgh, Pa, comichooks.com