Life, 1915-11-18 · page 42 of 52
Life — November 18, 1915 — page 42: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two unrelated sections: a political editorial on diplomacy and period advertisements. **"Ultimatums" Editorial**: The text argues that in warfare, an ultimatum is paradoxically both the *first* word (not the last) in diplomacy. Once issued, it cannot be retracted or accepted without loss of face. The author asserts nations should never issue ultimatums without a "follow-up system"—essentially, military backing. This reflects early 20th-century thinking about international relations and the binding nature of formal diplomatic demands. **Advertisements**: The page features two ads—one for Waltham Watches emphasizing precision and awards, and a lubricating cups product. These are straightforward commercial appeals, not satirical content. **"As Man to Man" Dialogue**: A humorous exchange between a householder and his cook (Mary) about his wife. The cook delivers blunt, working-class wisdom: his wife isn't uniquely bad, life is "a sorry world at best," but taking occasional holidays helps. The satire targets bourgeois marital complaints through the cook's practical philosophy.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Ultimatums in war. No 18-carat diplomat issues an ultimatum when there is anything else left to issue, because as-soon as an ultimatum is issued, provided it possesses the proper proportion of ultimatumness, the matter is out of the issuer’s hands. You can’t A ultimatum is not, as many suppose, the last word in diplomacy ; it is the first word take an ultimatum back, because then it is no longer an ultimatum. But neither can an ultimatum be accepted. matic families that a proffered ultimatum should be hurled haughtily back, and there is no case on record where a nation ever welcomed a homeless ultimatum and at the same time retained its self-respect. It is clear, therefore, that an ultimatum should never be turned loose unless supported by a follow-up system in good working order. It is an inviolable rule in the best diplo- Ghat Waltham Watches surpass all others is definitely estab- lished by the following tests: At the World Expositions, wherever exhibited, Waltham Watches have received highest awards. At the Paname-Pacific Exposition, Waltham took the Grand Prize over all compet- itors. At the great Kew Observatory more Waltham Watches receive the ‘‘A’’ rating than any other make. Only one other American manufacturer has ever received the ‘‘A'’ rating and then only on a single watch. There are more Waltham Rail- road Watches in use the world over than any other make. Scientists recognize the superiority of Waltham Watches. All the American polar ex- peditions (where accu- racy is essential) have taken Waltham time- pieces. These facts are more eloquent than any mere words, Of all watches the Waltham Riverside Series are the most famous. There are various sizes and styles of Riverside Watches but they all have the Riverside charac- ter of fine accuracy, surplus strength and long life. Most of the improve- ments in watch making for a generation have first been incorporated in River- Watches. The men who has one of these River- sides in his pocket is to that extent an aristocrat; and the woman who wears one on her wrist will find herself becoming punctual. The accuracy of the Riverside Watches is vouched for by the watch company which is the oldest in America and the largest in the world. The beauty of these watches you can see for yourself. Let your jeweler help you select one for Christmas, Waltham Watch Company Waltham, Mass. ARE SILENT The Self Lu- bricating Cups prevent squeak- ing—insure smooth action “As Man to Man” “WELL. Mary,” said the man of the house to the cook, “ what is your opinion of my wife? You must have had considerable experience with other men’s wives. Is she any worse or better? I have a curiosity to know whether I am any better or worse off than the average man.” “T’ve seen 'em worse,” replied Mary, “and I've seen 'em better.” “Why are you going to leave, then? It's something I'd sometimes like to do, I confess, but can’t?” “Sure, I'm going to leave because I need a change. I'm of a rovin’ nature. I'm used to going about. It’s in me blood. I despise all the women I work for. None of ‘em knows how to treat help.” “Then you think, on the whole, that if I had to do it over again, I might be worse off?” “It's not for the likes of me to make ye discontented with your lot. Sure, man, make the best of it. Take a holiday once in awhile and ye can stand it better. This is a sorry world at best.” “But she spends all my money, Mary—never keeps her word—has no character nor sense of justice.” “Be ye an angel of God yourself?” “T suppose not. But, Mary, let me ask you an honest question, as man to man. If I was the boss, would you stay any longer?” “Sure, I'd 'a’ been gone already.” “[S he progressive?” “ About like a pendulum.” comicbooks.com a A toe 7] a TOT