Life, 1916-05-11 · page 4 of 48
Life — May 11, 1916 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The top cartoon depicts "Uncle Sam" (representing the United States government) being kicked by a figure representing Mexico. The caption reads "Pleasant weather we're having"—a darkly ironic understatement, likely referencing U.S.-Mexico tensions or military conflict, possibly related to Pancho Villa's raids or broader border instability during the Mexican Revolution era. Below are quiz questions posed to readers on topics including Mexico, greatness, Uncle Sam, and Villa's location—suggesting contemporary political debate about American foreign policy in Mexico. The lower cartoon shows Uncle Sam (depicted as a donkey) being "cheered up" by a subscription offer to Life magazine itself—a humorous self-promotion using the patriotic Uncle Sam figure. The page functions as both political commentary and advertisement.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Copr. Life Pub. Co. Uncle Sam: Pleasant weather we're having. Do you wish to know all about Mexico? Are you thoroughly familiar with the proposition that some men are born great? Have you ever thought of calling Uncle Sam Mr. Facing-both-ways? Do you want to be convinced that women have no sense of humor? Have you ever tried to reform New York? Would you, if you could, lead a dog’s life? Where do you think Villa is? The answers to the questions appearing on this page. will be given in next week's Life. “Obey that impulse, eh? Subscribe to Life, eh? Well, I do need something to cheer me up!’? Special Offer Enclosed find One Dollar (Canadian $1.13, Foreign $1.26). Send Live for three months to Open only to new subscribers; no subscriptions + newed at this rate. LIFE, 17 West 31st Street, New York = 34 One Year, $5.00. (Canadian, $5.52; Foreign, $6.04.) comicbooks.com