Life, 1917-05-03 · page 7 of 42
Life — May 3, 1917 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a satirical cartoon titled "Life in the Munitions Factory," depicting a waiting room labeled "W. WILSON - PRIVATE" filled with various animals representing different nations or interests during World War I. The animals appear to represent competing parties seeking President Wilson's attention and support regarding munitions production and war involvement. The giraffe, goat, dog, pig, tiger, turtle, and bird likely symbolize different Allied nations or factions lobbying for American military resources and backing. The subtitle "In His Waiting Room" suggests these parties are literally queuing to see Wilson, satirizing the diplomatic pressure on the U.S. regarding WWI involvement. The Charlotte Becker quote humorously depicts factory workers' mundane conversations contrasting with the serious geopolitical stakes being decided above them.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE In the Munitions Factory N long, close-seated rows they work and chat, Solving the problems of the universe— “ Mag’s earnin’ 'ere more’n Jim did in ’is shop; “It’s best Jock ’ad t 3 ’e’s drinkin’ worse.” She's took the baby to a doctor now; “T'm glad Bill's fighti 'e was gettin’ fat.” 'E says 'e'll cure it.” “ Nancy’s plannin’ 'ow “Ole good-for-nothing Michael, kenned ye that "Er pay’ull learn young Tom to mend the crop.” "E’s back a ’ero with a Cross, an’ purse “My word! It’s bally 'ard to shoot an’ shell, "Is batt’ry raised 'im?” “ War's an awfu’ curse, But I do 'old some good comes out o’ ‘ell!” But it’s sure made a man o! butcher's Pat.” Charlotte Becker, W. WILSON. muvate | MIS WAITING-ROOM Comicbooks.com