Life — March 1, 1917 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers The main cartoon depicts a hotel clerk dealing with a group of travelers concerned about fire safety. The caption reads: "Is this hotel thoroughly fire-proof, sir? But if you should ever take fire we wouldn't guarantee anything." This satirizes unsafe hotel conditions and the clerk's absurd non-answer—he won't even guarantee safety *if* a fire occurs. This reflects genuine early-20th-century concerns about hotel fires, which were serious hazards. The accompanying article "Faithful in Adversity" discusses Professor John W. Burgess, a pro-German academic who maintained his German sympathies despite World War I. It mocks his unwavering loyalty despite geopolitical circumstances. The left column lists Broadway stereotypes ("Glitter," "Chorus girls," "Debutantes") in a satirical summary of theatrical culture.