Life, 1917-04-26 · page 53 of 84
Life — April 26, 1917 — page 53: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two satirical pieces about American involvement in World War I relief efforts. **"Be Uncle to the Belgians, Uncle Sam!"** argues that Congress should assume direct control of Belgian relief efforts from private charities. The piece suggests German submarines have made private relief efforts too difficult and dangerous, requiring the U.S. government's stronger capacity to handle the task. **"Hangs (Hans) Across the Sea"** cartoon depicts a German figure (labeled "Hans") shaking hands with an American woman across the Atlantic. The caption's pun on "hands across the sea" sarcastically comments on U.S.-German relations—likely critiquing either pacifist sentiment, trade relations, or diplomatic dealings with Germany during the war. **"Why Not?"** is a brief joke contrasting religious and golf club membership, unrelated to the war content. **"Not an Advertisement"** mentions evangelist Billy Sunday (a former baseball player) doing recruiting—linking religious leadership with military recruitment efforts, a common wartime practice. The page reflects American debates over war involvement and civilian relief circa 1916-1917.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ON MARGIN LAST WEEK Be Uncle to the Belgians, Uncle Sam! ONGRESS has a good deal on its hands, and a number of things to pay for. All the same, many friends will be obliged if it will take over Belgian relief. It is going to have all the money in the country, and must expect to include in its undertaking most necessary things connected with the war that have hitherto been done by private means. It will be admitted by most people that Belgian relief is necessary. But it is getting too complicated for private means. The German submarines have so much increased its difficulties that the strongest possible hands must handle it, and the strongest hands hereabouts are Uncle Sam's. Why Not? helongs to two golf clubs, docsn’t he? And only one church?” “But you don’t need as much variety of practice in re- ligion as you do in golf.” THIS WEEK Not an Advertisement "THE pavers report that Dr. William Sunday is in town, He is a good performer (learned it on the diamond), and does recruiting on the side. All should try to see him. “HANDS (HANS) ACROSS THE SEA” comicbooks.com