Life, 1916-05-25 · page 25 of 40
Life — May 25, 1916 — page 25: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains three distinct satirical pieces: **Top cartoon**: A "First New Zealander" tourist stands on the Brooklyn Bridge, mistakenly believing it's London Bridge. The joke mocks both the visitor's geographical confusion and American pride—implying Americans exaggerate their monuments' importance, or that foreign visitors are ignorant of American landmarks. **"In Arcady" poem**: A sentimental romantic verse by Charlotte Becker contrasting love in spring versus winter, emphasizing emotional constancy regardless of circumstance. **"Precedent" dialogue**: Satirizes government incompetence by showing a job applicant admit he has zero qualifications or experience, yet expects appointment as general manager. His punchline—that this mirrors how the government appoints Cabinet officers—attacks the political patronage system, suggesting Cabinet positions go to unqualified cronies rather than merit-based candidates. **"Peace at any price"**: A brief jab at pacifists, implying their advocacy for peace is really about avoiding financial expense rather than genuine principle.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ett te re, First New Zealander: weit, sik, 1 NEVER REALLY EXPECTED TO BE “TALKING ON A BROKEN ARCH OF LONDON BRIDGE—" “AND YOU AREN'T, THIS IS THF BROOKLYN BRIDGE.” In Arcady WALKED with Love in Arcady When all the hills were green, And there were birds in every tree, With blossoms set between: Quoth Love, “ Joy holds no more than this "— And ‘sealed his gladness with a kiss. I walked with Love in Arcady When all the hills were bare ; There were no birds in any tree Nor blossoms anywhere; Quoth Love, “Grief holds no more than this— What matters grief—I have your kiss!” Charlotte Becker, Precedent “LJAVE you ever had any experience in this business before?” No, sir.” “Ever thought anything about it?” “No, si “And yet you want me to appoint you gencral manager of this company. Where did you get the idea?” “Well, you know that’s the way cur government ap- points its Cabinet officers.” HAT the “ peace at any price” advocates really desire is peace at no expense. comicbooks.com