Life, 1916-11-02 · page 15 of 46
Life — November 2, 1916 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes the 1916 U.S. presidential election, comparing candidates Wilson and Hughes. The "Objections" section lists contradictory criticisms leveled at each candidate from different political sides—Wilson attacked as both too academic and too American, Hughes as both indecisive and militaristic. The satire's point: both candidates face identical complaints from opposing factions, suggesting the criticisms reflect partisan bias rather than legitimate flaws. The upper poem "A Thanksgiving Wish" humorously expresses modest holiday desires (just turkey for two with a loved one), and the "Aftermath" dialogue mocks female politicians entering politics post-suffrage, suggesting their reform efforts will face resistance. The "Slang Phrase" cartoon depicts Lady Justice on a pedestal, captioned "It certainly was up to him"—likely referencing responsibility in the election.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Thanksgiving Wish MY’ wants, I consider, are simple, Though rhyme I like better than prose, . And though I may dote on a dimple That goes with a setting of rose. My tastes they have ever been stable, And to-day I should love best to view Dear Mabel across a small table With just enough turkey for two! Of course there would be some ad- denda, And that would be such as she'd wish ; And I would be willing to spend a Round sum to reach turkey through fish. The whole thing would seem like a fable, Too fair and too good to be true, With Mabel across a small table, And just enough turkey for two! Forsooth, there'd be cause for thanks- giving! The fates, each and all, I should bless; SLANG PHRASE “IT CERTAINLY WAS UP TO HIM” BRINGING HOME THE TURKEY The joy I should take in mere living Is something I cannot express; For I should forget the loud babel Of life if I only could view Dear Mabel across a small table With just enough turkey for two! Clinton Scollard. Aftermath RS. DORCAS As soon get the ballot we'll reform politics. Dorca: fter some of the things you women politicians have been doing it will need reforming. as we Objections GiNce the opening of the campaign certain definite objections to the two prin- cipal candidates have been repeatedly mentioned. The peculiar character of these cri Objections to Wilson As a school-master he is too academic. He is too retired. He talks too much. His Mexican policy is a mess. He is too neutral to suit the pro-Ger- mans. He is too American to suit the pro- Allies. He is too proud to fight. He is too weak on preparedness to suit the fire-eaters and the munition- makers. He is too militaristic to suit the pac- ifists. He is weak and yacillating. He is condemned by T. R. isms can be logically exhibited only in the deadly parallel columns. Objections to Hughes As a judge he has the “cloistered mind.” He is a human icicle. He talks much and says nothing. He has no Mexican policy whatever. He refuses to come-out for the Kaiser. He trics to cultivate the hyphenated vote. He does not hate anybody sufficiently. He will not come out for universal compulsory military service. He is backed by the munitions trust. He is afraid to stand for anything. He is supported by T. R. Now if these objections were seen from one side only we might suspect that they were due to partisanship; but being observed from all sides they are proba- bly valid. By the way, who is the Socialist candidate? comicbooks.com