Life, 1917-06-21 · page 9 of 38
Life — June 21, 1917 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This Life magazine page contains a satirical cartoon about American military preparedness during what appears to be World War I era. The cartoon depicts a rotund military officer (likely a German general based on the spiked helmet) lounging comfortably while a younger soldier sits reading nearby, with papers scattered about. The caption quotes the officer assuring someone that he's taken "greatest care" of a physically unfit person—suggesting ironic commentary on how the military handles unsuitable recruits or soldiers. The accompanying article "Anyhow, We Are Getting Our Medicine" discusses General Legge of Australia's observations about American military mobilization and preparedness, arguing that despite reservations, the effort to create a fighting force is necessary and valuable.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“Q'M SURE IT ISN'T MY FAULT THAT HE IS PHYSICALLY UNFIT. Anyhow, We Are Getting Our Medicine ENERAL LEGGE of Australia, having got back to Melbourne after two years’ fighting in Europe, takes a hopeful view, and is quoted as “convinced that the German resistance will be broken by June.” He hardly thinks the war will last another year. Possibly expectation of the war's carly end is strongest at the greatest distance from the front. Nevertheless a good expectation of that character from a person entitled to have it is much appreciated. GREATEST CARE OF HIM” Whether the war ends soon or late, and whether few or many American troops get into it, we should remember that this operation now proceeding, of creating a fighting force in these States proportionate to their wealth, popula- tion and importance, is exceedingly necessary and valuable. We saw that it could not be started except as a war measure, with war actually declared. On no other basis would Congress vote the money or public sentiment impel the men to come forward or support a selective draft. We cannot tell how severe a case of war we are to have, but we are taking our medicine, and I'VE ALWAYS TAKEN THE whether it is preventive or curative it is worth the price. HE minister was shocked to sce the young lad with a fishing outfit on Sunday. “ My dear lad, what will your father say about your fishing on the Sabbath?” “Well, last time he said: the 'ell’s your fish?'” replied youngster. ‘Where the Modemized HOME: Suite Home.