Life, 1916-09-14 · page 3 of 38
Life — September 14, 1916 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main cartoon titled "The Shades: Lucky he wasn't our boss!" depicts a man in a top hat labeled "JOSEPHUS DANIELS" observing shadowy figures in the background. Josephus Daniels was Secretary of the Navy during World War I, making this likely commentary on his leadership or policies. The accompanying poem "Always the Unknown" appears to be satirical verse about an unknowable force or figure—possibly criticizing Daniels' administration or naval policies that remained opaque to the public. The decorative elements at top (bird, human figures) are typical Life magazine ornaments. Without additional publication context, the specific incident being mocked remains unclear, though it concerns naval administration during the WWI era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ERE I Josephus Daniels And you the Ship of State, T think that I'd expect you (What time you found I'd wrecked you) To seek the deepest channels And throw me to my fate, Were I Josephus Daniels And you the Ship of State. If Daniels were Discretion And I a river, say, He'd jump in me to-morrow And quit this vale of sorrow Or seck a new profession With little more delay, If Daniels were Discretion And I a river, say. K. L. Roberts. Always the Unknown ERMIT me to introduce myself. You have been on intimate terms with me for some time. And yet you do not know me. You have talked with me on long walks and in the still watches of the night. You have flattered me and cajoled me and pleaded with me and condoned me. And yet you do not know me. The worst of this is that you will never know me. You will always go on believing that you do. This is your fate. I am the unknowable. I am the one you live with, and of whom you are destined, so long as you live, to be in absolute ignorance. I am the one you think you are! The Shades: Lucky He Wasn't our boss! comicbooks.com