Life, 1916-02-03 · page 31 of 48
Life — February 3, 1916 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"The Propagandist" cartoon** depicts five caricatured figures reading German-language newspapers ("Hamburger Blätter," "Das Morgen," etc.). This satirizes German propaganda efforts, likely during WWI, showing how German news sources were disseminating their messaging. **"Second-Term Considerations"** discusses President Wilson's potential re-election, evaluating what he's learned in office. It references his cabinet changes (acquiring Lansing, discontinuing Bryan, potentially Daniels) and his problematic handling of Mexico. The text suggests he needs oversight from Colonel House on Mexican affairs. **"Great Problem Solved"** humorously addresses the disappearance of military "experts" from newspaper columns—suggesting they've enlisted for WWI rather than admitting they had nothing substantive to contribute. **"Business Is Business"** is a domestic comedy sketch about a wife withdrawing bank savings to protect them from potential bank failure, highlighting financial anxiety of the era. The page reflects WWI-era American concerns: German propaganda, Wilson's leadership fitness, military expertise, and economic uncertainty.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
+tissoa oover?. THE PROPAGANDIST Second-Term Considerations I. considering a second term for Mr. Wilson, we should try to estimate the value to us of what he has learned in the last three years. \ | Also the value of his acquisitions and discontinuances. He is a much more practiced hand on the Presi- dential job than he was when he began. He has thought by this time of most things that con- cern it, and knows by experiment what to do in some cases and what not to do in a good many. He has acquired Mr. Lansing, discontinued Mr. Bryan, and could probably be separated from Mr. Daniels, to date from the beginning of his second term, As to that, we should want security. To be sure, Mexico would hold over. He could not dis- continue Mexico, and it is still doubtful how much his experiences with that country have taught him. If re- nominated, there should be a pre-election bargain with him to accept a guardian ad litem in all concerns of Mexico— Colonel House, perhaps. Great Problem Solved WHat has become of all the military experts who blossomed out in the columns of our press after the beginning of the war? They had their brief day and then vanished into thin typographical air. Only one solu- tion of this mystery is plausible, and that is that the writing of their own articles so fired them with the war spirit that they have all marched off to the front. Business Is Business USBAND: I don’t see, Estelle, how you could draw all your money out of the bank and spend it, when I specially told you that I wouldn't be able to give you any more for some time. Wire: But I did it on purpose, dear. Suppose the bank should fail? Cupid: MAKE HASTE, YOUNG MAN. MY TIME IS VALUABLE