Life, 1916-01-27 · page 11 of 44
Life — January 27, 1916 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains satirical content about British national identity and WWI preparations. **"Ballad of British Blessings"** (by Christopher Morley) is a poem celebrating British staples—beef, beer, and briar pipes—as superior to other nations' contributions. It mocks various countries (Germany's sausage, Jamaica's rum, France's wine) while asserting these three items as Britain's greatest gifts to civilization. The poem includes a jab at vegetarians who opposed the Spanish Armada. **"Cousin Johnny"** illustration depicts Britannia (female figure) with a British soldier, likely representing the relationship between Britain and America during WWI. **"Mobilization Next"** section reports on American conscription of professional humorists, treating the topic ironically—suggesting even comedians will be drafted for the war effort. The overall message celebrates British culture while acknowledging coming American military involvement in World War I.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
«Ly FE 147 “COUSIN JOHNNY” Mobilization Next ASHINGTON, Jan. 23th—Conscription of profes- sional humorists throughout the country is still going merrily on. Several companies reported for duty to-day. It is expected that eventually every professional humorist in the country will be under arms. A funereal atmosphere hangs over this city. Said an officer of the National Guard: “The new regiments of professional humorists promise to make good results. They are stern and unrelenting in their work, and have an untiring patience. Owing to the lives they lead at home, however, they are rarely seen to laugh. If they can be made more cheerful they will beat the world as fighters.” “THE pension is mightier than the sword. Ballad of British Blessings Gane invented sausage, And Jamaica gave us rum, France discovered wine and logic, And the U. S. chewing-gum ; But of all recorded blessings In the land of Stars and Stripes Three there are we owe to England— Beef and beer and briar pipes! When the Spanish Grand Armada (Manned by vegetarians) Thought to overwhelm the island, How they failed in all their plans! Those who live on fish and omelet Or on chitterlings and tripes Ne'er will be a match for British Beef and beer and briar pipes! Czechs and Croats and Finns and Lascars May find nuts enough to eat, But John Bull needs sterner rations For an empire and a fleet He is sometimes slow in starting, But—he sticks to what he gripes, Grins a little, and enjoys his Beef and beer and briar pi Christopher Morley. Margins IRST COAL DEALER: How much profit are you making on a ton now? Srconp Coat Deau Twenty-five per cent. “Why, that’s a good deal more than I am mak- “But you sell to the rich in large lots. I sell to the poor in pailfuls.” His Aunt: 1sx't THIS DELIGHTFUL! IT's THE FIRST TIME 1 HAVE REALLY ENJOYED AN AUTO comicbooks.com