Life — October 26, 1916 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts two sailors huddled under a tent during a storm, with the White House visible in the background on a hill. The image appears to be satirizing the sailors' reliance on prayer during dangerous maritime conditions, with the White House looming symbolically above them—suggesting either divine providence, government protection, or perhaps ironic commentary on where real safety lies. The sketch style and composition emphasize the vulnerability of the sailors against nature's forces. Without additional context about the specific date or political moment, the exact satirical target remains unclear, though it likely comments on either military readiness, naval safety standards, or the relationship between ordinary servicemen and government leadership during this period.