Life, 1916-04-27 · page 14 of 44
Life — April 27, 1916 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical cartoon depicts **Civilization** (personified as a classical female figure wearing a headband labeled "CIVILIZATION") presenting a tiny, underdeveloped military figure to a powerful "War Lord." The image mocks President Wilson's recent military appointments and policies. The accompanying published and unpublished interviews ridicule Wilson's administration for appointing unqualified men to important positions—a barber as police officer, an engineer with no engine experience, etc.—while claiming "confidence" in them. The cartoon's caption—"I am not arguing; I am telling you"—suggests the War Lord/military establishment dismisses Civilization's protests about unpreparedness. The satire criticizes Wilson's wartime administrative competence and cronyism during America's military mobilization (likely WWI era).
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
794 Published Interview LEVELAND, O.—Newton D. Baker, appointed Secretary of War to-day, said: “The expression of confidence which President Wilson has implied in the appointment is most flattering. Of course, I know nothing of the duties of the office, and shall have it all to learn.” Mr. Baker is a close friend of the President, and is in sympathy with his ~ policies. Unpublished Interviews Barney Clancy, appointed a police- man to-day, said: “Of course, I know nothing of the law yet, but begorra! I can learn, and if I crack a few heads by mistake, sure an’ it’s all in a lifetime. The Presidint and I are close frinds.” John Smith, appointed an engineer of the New Haven Railroad to-day, said just before taking his first train out: “I never handled an engine before, except for a corkscrew in the corner barroom, and though I don't know a throttle from a cow-catcher, I'm in sympathy with the policies of the Presi- dent.” Peter Jones, appointed a barber to- day, said: “IT wonder which end of this here razor I should use on my first cus- tomer. Maybe he will be able to tell me afterwards. Anyway, the expres- sion of confidence which the President has implied in the appointment is most flattering, whether I cut a man’s throat or not.” Henry Brown, Congressman, said: “General Wood told us to-day that the army needs more men and more equipment, and that upon the carrying out of his recommendations rests the safety of 90,000,000 people. Of course, I know nothing of such duties. I know that my constituency hasn't any 90,000,- 000 people—only about 23,000, and a new Post Office would look grand to them on Main Street, besides returning” me to office again.” ATAN is not worried when we say, “Get thee behind me.” He knows we will turn around pretty soon. CIVILIZATION TO THE WAR LORD “I AM NOT ARGUING; I AM TELLING You” comicbooks.com