Life, 1916-11-09 · page 14 of 40
Life — November 9, 1916 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main illustration depicts a figure (appearing to be a Western military or political leader, given the uniform and hat) riding atop a large dragon—a traditional symbol of China. The rider is wielding what looks like a polo mallet or stick, playing with a ball labeled with a swastika symbol. The caption reads: "Respectable kings stop drinking whiskey." This satirizes Western military intervention or imperialism in Asia, particularly Japan's imperial ambitions (referenced by the swastika). The dragon represents China being treated as a plaything by Western powers. The cartoon critiques the hypocrisy of "respectable" nations engaging in aggressive, sport-like conquest rather than honorable conduct—the swastika ball suggesting fascist ambitions being indulged by Western powers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
806 floated in legal technichology. In time of peace many brave statesmen make Chinese language musical while telling people how China are prepared. This are true. She are prepared —" “Prepared for what?" are smart question for Nogi. “For defeat,” I aswervate. “ During many 1000's of annual years most brightest philosophers of China has been teaching how patriotism are siffi- cient protection for national honor. This sound plenty intelligent until for- eign army walk in for show China how patriotism go further when shot from -foot cannons.” Are America similar to that?” re- quire Nogi for frights. I make no intellectual reply for fear Hon. Sec. Danicls hear me and cause arrest. “In time of war prepare for it,” I say otherwise. “ When everybody are sinful it are a sin not to be sinful first.” “I disgust!” This from Nogi. “ All great nations of world are behaving with brutality peculiar to enraged cows. White men, belonging to high civiliza- tion, are worse than barbers when they go shooting. Are there not some small, dark Nation, unspoiled by too much culture, which Japan could copy for sweet example of humanity?” “There are always Mexico,” I renig while leaving my cousin Nogi in can- dition of great lameness. Hoping you are the same Yours truly Hasuraura Toco. The Victorious King’s Thanksgiving THANK thee, Lord, that it still remains for thine anointed to purchase glory at the cost of blood and tears and treasures not their own. Only that thou hast graciously permitted the people, in spite of all their hard lessons, to be about as foolish as they ever were, what would have become of me and mine? And particularly I thank thee, Lord, for the sentiment whereby men say in their hearts: “My country! May she be always right, but, right or wrong, my country!” For so they become as potter's clay in my hands. And the childish notion that peace is somehow safe- guarded by giving kings and chancelleries armies and navies to play with! How shall I thank thee enough for it? “ Respectable kings stop drinking whiskey ” And honor—the most sincerely worshipped of all men’s idols, and the hollowest! And, above all, the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy! How hardly should we manage, Lord, if hypocrisy were to go out of fashion and no king durst say he loved peace unless he did so! Te Deum laudamus! . R. B. Etiquette for Submarines ENTLEMEN versed in the etiquette of war say the German submarines may cut the Atlantic cables with- out impropriety, but must not sow mines in the steamship lanes. In war, however, you can do anything until you are caught at it, and then you can keep on doing it if you are strong enough.