Life, 1916-02-24 · page 14 of 48
Life — February 24, 1916 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains WWI-era American satire. The large central cartoon depicts Uncle Sam (identifiable by the flag and characteristic figure) embracing German immigrants, with the caption noting it's a "composite photograph of one million native-born Germans residing in the United States." The accompanying poem "America" addresses concerns about German-American loyalty during the war, asking them to support American interests. The bottom section includes satirical exchanges mocking Kaiser Wilhelm II and German military leadership, with jokes about coffee shortages and the concept of "Kultur" (German civilization). The cartoon pairs of suited gentlemen likely represent American and foreign diplomats or politicians. The overall message reflects American anxiety about German-American populations' allegiances during World War I.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPH OF ONE MILLION NATIVE-BORN GERMANS RESIDING IN THE UNITED STATES Venison or Venzn R. DELION of South Carolina writes to us to inquire if the “i” in venison should be pronounced, as recommended by Webster, or if it is silent. He favors “ venzn” as the right pronunciation, and appeals to us to back him. Certainly! The Century dictionary gives both pronunciations. does Webster. In our opinion, the ” should be silent in the closed season for deer. At other times sound it or not, according to the demands of the metre. When in a tight place and undecided, call it deer’s meat. Prosit GAID the Kaiser to General Joffre, “Send a doctor! I'm getting a coffre!” Said the Gen to the Emp, “Get a few yards of hemp. Use at once, and you may head it offre.” Defined CRAWFORD: What's this Kultur we hear so much about in the present war? CrassHaw: It’s the attempt to crucify Civilization on an Iron Cross. America Y money, I can see You're life and light to me, To you I clin With you I'll always glide, On life’s bright, sunny side, Or with the chosen ride; I like your ring. Your face I always see, Your brow bears liberty, Your fame I love; You furnish frocks and frills, And clean up all my bills, Make mountains look like hills, O peaceful dove. If we would be John D.’s, We must the eagle squeeze, And hold it long; To be a real magrate, We ought to cultivate To never give, but take; It isn’t wrong. You make a pedigree, Without a family tree, Friends to me bring; You turn wrong into right, And for you nations fight; They think in you there’s might, You are a King. “VELL, UNKIE, KNOW DOT A FoR THE JEW “BY GEORGE! YOU'VE GIVEN ME A WHY ISN’? SOMETHING LIKE THAT POS- SIBLE FOR AMERICANS?"