Life, 1916-02-10 · page 7 of 44
Life — February 10, 1916 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents wartime commentary during World War I. **"The Mirage"** illustration depicts Uncle Sam (the tall figure on left) observing a vision of marching soldiers and crowds above clouds—representing idealistic American war aims versus harsh reality. **"Preparedness"** poem advocates military buildup before entering combat, rejecting pacifism and emphasizing American strength. **"National Policy"** dialogue features characters Curtis and Jackson discussing Austria and military supplies in a club setting, appearing to mock civilian political debate about war strategy. References to "Steel Boat" and "National Plumbing" suggest satirizing mundane commercial concerns amid serious wartime decisions. The overall page critiques American unpreparedness and questions national priorities during the conflict, typical of Life's contemporary editorial stance.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE MIRAGE OT to amass forever men-at-arms From out the nation’s field of fruiting life, And be a monster, fierce with club and knife, But e’er atremble with his own alarms, Nor yet to fan the land with martial charms, Until the lust to kill grows boldly rife, And hounds us all into a flood of strife Where hell will pull us down with burning arms. But first to hark to reason’s voice, no more To hug the past and prize old hulks at sea. To build a power there and on the shore, As great as our America is free, To trust in God, to dare face any war— Therein is our defense, our liberty. Limit Approaching Wits: Then you think the war is bound to end soon? Guts: Certainly. The way all the nations are jump- ing in there will soon come a time when there won't be any more neutral nations left for the Germans and English to fight in. National Policy CENE: Room ina club. Curtis and Jackson draped over chairs near large window. Curtis reading, Jackson dozing. Curtis (putting down magazine) : of that note to Austria? Jackson (waking up with a start): What did you think Which one? Curtis (impatiently): The last one! Jackson (languidly ringing bell): Rotten. have? Curtis (turning to servant): I'll take another Bronx, Charlie; and put a little more lemon in it. Jackson (yawning): Same, Charlie, without the lemon. Curtis (settling down): I think Wilson ought to— Jackson (yatuning at window): Oh, say, Curtis, cut out that war stuff. (Suddenly taking notice and nodding out window.) Who's that girl with Peters? Curtis (regretfully): Don't know—some girl, though! Jackson (enviously): Lucky devil, Peters—bought Steel Boat at 11%. Curtis (gulping cocktail): They say National Plumb- ing’s a good buy—got a contract to put hot and cold water in the British trenches,....ete.,....ete. Charles Elkin, Jr. What'll you comicbooks.com