Life — July 6, 1916 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page **Main Content:** The left side is a Velvet tobacco advertisement featuring a profile portrait (appears to be a historical figure, possibly meant to evoke Washington based on the styling) examining a tobacco tin. The ad emphasizes "natural" qualities and mild flavor through aging. **Satirical Poem - "Efficiency":** The right side contains a poem by Morris Gilbert mocking wartime preparedness priorities. It satirizes Americans' tendency to postpone military readiness ("let's wait awhile") in favor of leisure activities—golf, social dinners, entertainment—despite war looming. The small illustration shows a man juggling numbered items, visualizing his overwhelming to-do list. The satire suggests Americans are complacently procrastinating about serious national defense while distracted by trivial social obligations.