Life, 1917-07-19 · page 8 of 40
Life — July 19, 1917 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a short story titled "Don't Let Her Rip" featuring a character named Rip Van Winkle who has awakened after a long sleep. The dialogue reflects post-World War I concerns about military readiness and submarine threats. The story depicts Rip questioning a barkeeper about current events, learning that submarines have been reported on the coast. The barkeeper's responses suggest anxiety about American military preparedness—specifically whether the army has been equipped and whether rifles are being manufactured. The upper section includes "A Mystery," a satirical poem by Kenneth L. Roberts questioning why nations fight wars and suffer needless pain. The illustration labeled "THEIR FIRST CASE" shows what appears to be a domestic scene, though its connection to the surrounding text is unclear from this page alone.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
o “LIFE Life's 's Fresh Air Fund A Mystery » Lare's Fars Aus Fuse Q AID Edward Jones: “I fail to see h Why mighty nations wish to fight! Ah, why should people disagree? It isn’t right!" Said Henry Smith; “ Exactly so! And any man with half a brain Should see that war brings naught but woe And grievous pain! “Ah, well,” said Jones, “ it surely seems. \s though New York should win“! SAY, BILLY, THE HIGH COST oF LIVING this year: CAN'T AFFECT YOU MUCH” The Boston and Chicago tears Are through, I fear!” Don’t Let Her Rip! But Smith did not agree with Jones. IP VAN WINKLE woke up sud- He called his argument absurd. denly and looked around him. All Anon the twain used heated tones, appeared to be about the same. A And oaths were heard. heading in a morning paper indicated that there were some submarines re- Then Jones smote Smith upon the Ported on the coast. cheek, “Anything doing?” he asked the And Smith smote Jones and drew the barkeeper. ; gore. That gentleman smiled. They fought till both lay bruised and “Nothing much, except that I am weak now dealing in soft drinks,” he an- swered. Has our army been equipped yet?” Upon the floor. way, Hopewell schage of clothing from Al. Like Jones and Smith, I cannot see Bet Te is asur sides cOstetieeekeraner Oto Why mighty nations wish to fight. re we making any rifles? : One box of clothing and toys from Ah, why should people disagree? “We didn't have to. They are be- q Miss Frances H. Hermes and Master ‘Shy why should agree: ing supplied by Great Bri And, P. Hermes, Quaker Ridge, New It isn’t right! believe me, that was a relief Rochelle, N.Y. Kenneth L. Roberts. ki 7s “ Congress passed any bills yet which aim to settle business and make people get a little confidence?” “Not yet.” Stone still chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee?” “ Sure.” “Same old Cabinet?” “As usual.” Rip gave a twist to his Navajo blanket. “Well, old man,” he said, quietly, “T'm off again. Wake me up in an- other twenty years, will you? And break the news gently, for anything indicat- ing that we are doing something might be fatal.” ‘OOD law, is it? There was a time when the food aw for these States wwas “Fry itt” THEIR FIRST CASE But we have improved about that. comicbooks'