Life, 1917-01-25 · page 17 of 40
Life — January 25, 1917 — page 17: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page mixes fake advertisements with serious political commentary, likely from WWI era. The **fake ads** mock absurdities: one advertises a "Wandering Jew cravat" that "flies upward," another offers "society column reporting" instruction at a "Kow-Tow School of Journalism" (mocking obsequious journalism), and a third promotes a crude pipe with inflammatory language. The serious section **praises France**, noting that despite wartime literature filled with blame toward various nations, France remains uniquely unblamed by even enemy Germans—crediting French heroism and minimal war responsibility. The author argues this vindication may lead post-war Europe toward eliminating monarchies in favor of republics, which he claims inherently seek peace. A brief humor section includes wordplay: a child says her mother is "upholstered in bed" (likely meaning "up and able"), a nonsensical joke typical of the era's humor style. The page demonstrates Life's dual nature: biting satire alongside earnest political argument.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
2 RRES Advertisements You Have Never Seen “ItFlies-AsTheSparks INE without alcohol, Plays without plots, Innocent criminals, Colorless blots, Indolent industry, Penniless wealth, Obvious mystery, Counterfeit health, Cellars in attics, Foundations above, Judicious fanatics, Affectionless love. Dou Want Learn ~ Society Column Reporting? We teak fea-dinking boot— licking and the proper wayfo ~ draw the Tourn From Burtens. We Can Fit You For The Lowest — Form OfAnimal Life! The KowTow School OF Journalism. France T is noteworthy that in all the vast literature of the war—polemic, at- tack, reply, denunciation, vituperation —the name of France remains unsul- lied and unblamed. For it is not only the British who have been led into a still more intense admiration of the high and noble qualities of their ally. In the most bitter speeches and writ- ings of the Germans, on the contrary, unwilling tribute is paid to France, to her heroism and steadiness. Moreover, in the microscopic examination of causes leading up to the war, France has had to shoulder least responsibil- ity. Both parties to the controversy seek motives and instigation elsewhere than in the Gallic republic. That all this should be so may, perhaps, in time lead the peoples of Europe to a great conclusion: If predatory monarchies are the governments that make war, end the monarchies, For it would seem that it is only the republics which, after all that has been said against them, and despite their marked and many defects, seek peace. The Repub- lic of France has suffered greatly and innocently, but it may find requital for its sacrifice in a universal dethrone- ment of kings after the war. Such a step would not end all our social troubles, but at least it would give us time to attend to them. Meanwhile, Hail, France! Efficiency? EORGANIZATION of the Cabi- net in March will provide an ex- cellent opportunity to consolidate the offices of Secretary of War and Secre- tary of the Navy under the supervision of one officer, to he known as Secre- tary of Peace. Young Mrs. Partington YMPATHETIC FRIEND: How is your mother this morning, my little girl? Lrrtte Girt: Much better, thank you. She is able to be upholstered in bed this morning. comicbooks.com