Life, 1916-08-31 · page 26 of 34
Life — August 31, 1916 — page 26: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three distinct satirical pieces about WWI-era American politics and society. **"A Wreath for Lafayette and France"** advocates commemorating Lafayette's September 6th birthday with renewed vigor, linking it to France's WWI sacrifice and the Battle of the Marne. The accompanying sketch shows a woman (representing France) being introduced to a small, formally-dressed man—likely representing America or an American figure—with the caption "Introducing an Old Favorite," suggesting America should renew appreciation for its historical French ally. **"Not Necessary"** mocks incompetent editorialists, depicting a newspaper editor admitting he employs a writer who knows "mighty little" but produces "great editorials"—criticizing pretentious journalism and empty rhetoric. **"Crime on a Large Scale Doesn't Work"** uses criminal analogies to argue that Prussia's aggressive expansion policies, manageable at small scale, become unsustainable when applied to a large nation. This justifies Allied opposition to German imperial ambitions during WWI, suggesting Germany's "crimes" must ultimately be stopped by neighboring powers acting collectively.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
370 A Wreath for Lafayette and France 'HE sixth of September is the birth- day of Lafayette. Something was done to commemorate it last year. There was more than the usual motive —a great special sympathy for France to be expressed by attention to the memory of the Frenchman best be- loved of Americans. This year that special stronger than ever. Our traditional kindness for France has been quick- motive is ened by a new admiration, and a great new debt has been added to an ancient obligation. Lafayette has always been an admirable figure for American minds to dwell upon. friend of American independence, not for political nor because France was fighting England, but be- reasons cause he loved freedom. Let us re- member him this year for a like rea- son, because we love freedom—and France. There are many statues of Lafayette in this country—for there never has been any doubt of American affection for him. They should all be garlanded with flowers, and will be, on Septem- ber 6th. And not this year alone, but, we hope, in all years to come. For _ September 6th, besides being Lafay- ette’s birthday, is the anniversary of the battle of the Marne, and seems, so far at least, the most suitable anniver- sary to remind us of what France has done these last two years for us and all mankind. Wreaths for Lafayette; wreaths for France; and simple ceremonies at the placing of them! We honor humanity when we honor true heroes. Not Necessary “GEE that chap over there! He's the fellow who wrote that great editorial in our paper this morning.” “He doesn’t look as if he knew much.” “He knows mighty little. ploy him only to write great edi- torials.” We em- He was the Ue MWettinn + al INTRODUCING AN OLD FAVORITE Crime on a Large Scale Doesn't Work IZE seems to make a lot of differ- ence about policies for countries. An individual burglar may avoid the police and prosper, but a large or- ganization of burglars is sure to be destroyed. Its operations become too dangerous to neglect. An individual may blow up buildings and bridges, and get away with it, but when the work is organized and done for a labor union it becomes only a question of time when it will be smashed. Prussia’s policy seems to worked well while Prussia continued to be small. The neighbors were not afraid of her and didn’t mind her iniquities, being busy with their own. But with the Prussian system of ac- quisition by force applied to a nation of seventy million people, no part of earth remained safe. It became then only a matter of time when the neigh- bors would have to join hands to abate it. Great Britain is now so big and im- have