Life, 1916-03-02 · page 13 of 44
Life — March 2, 1916 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes early American politics and government incompetence. The top cartoon depicts three demonic or devilish figures labeled "The Dancing Tarn," "The Senate," and "The Bellona," surrounding what appears to be presidential authority. The accompanying poem "John Bull's Reply to Uncle Sam" mocks American governance. The section titled "Vain Regrets" attacks Professor Channing of Harvard for claiming George Washington lacked intellectual capacity and broad education. The author sarcastically suggests this is poor timing—implying Washington's mediocrity would be dangerous if true, given his historical importance. A separate piece, "Unusual Modesty," discusses a medical journal article about suicide by hanging, praising the author's honest treatment of this dangerous topic. The overall tone critiques both political institutions and intellectual figures.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
"PRES —The'Aspasia’— Fresidential regalia uhen coercing — The Dancing Faun — evening dem-tollette for a Mayor f NewYork John Bull's Reply to Uncle Sam (See “ Life” of January 27th) EAR Samikins, you touched my heart By what you said in good, old Lire; Right-O, my boy! we mustn't part, For we are hitched, like man and wife. We've had our “tiffs,” of course, old chap, And “bungled,” too—you're bloomin’ right; But neither cares a bally rap, For pals we are in any plight. So “here's to you,” you good old sort. We'll pull together, Samikins. Good cheer! my mate, in every port, And don’t forget “ John Bullikins.” J.P.S. Vain Regrets GG FORGE WASHINGTON had neither large brain power nor a wide education, says Professor Channing of Harvard. This is a pretty time to be told of such a —The Bellona’ “KnocKabout” for an ex President matter! Why has Professor Channing kept us in the dark until this late date? If proper publicity had been given to Mr. Washington's shortcomings at the proper time we might have taken steps to have a more intellectual person placed in command of the Continental Army and seated in the presidential chair. With how much more respect would this nation be regarded if Lord Cornwallis had been opposed by a commander-in-chief who read Horace in the original while allowing his subordinates to plan cam- paigns! And how much more important might be the posi- tion of the United States to-day if its first President had been a person with a brain power as high as that of this college professor! K.L.R. Unusual Modesty “DEATH by Hanging” is the subject of an article in a recent number of the Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine. The eminent author, Dr. Victor C. Vaughn, is perfectly sincere and honest in his treatment of this dangerous menace to public health. He does not claim to have a cure, comicbooks.com