Life, 1917-11-15 · page 12 of 40
Life — November 15, 1917 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This sketch satirizes wartime food conservation efforts. Wilkins, apparently a food conservationist appointed to enforce rationing in his district, visits his suburban home and insists on an austere meal—just carrot and onion—to set a patriotic example for the community. The humor lies in the hypocrisy: Wilkins claims moral duty requires visible sacrifice, yet his wife reveals he'd recently eaten lavishly at restaurants for weeks. The top cartoon shows a German soldier labeled "ALLIES," mocking the notion that eating less helps the war effort. The satire critiques both self-righteous wartime moralizing and the gap between public virtue-signaling and private excess during food rationing—a real concern during World War I.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“EDFE : idea. Had no conception that you were so patriotic. I can almost hear the boys tramping into Berlin now. PROMIES — Wiuxss: Has hollow sound, I suppose. All through? L Csee~- Watts: Yes, I think so. Z Mrs. WILKINS: Mr. Watts, you have eaten scarcely any- ian thing. Why, you haven't the appetite of a bird. Watts: Really, 1 Witkins (lowering his voice): Sh! Don't say a word. We know all about it. This meal is only for effect—in case anyone comes in. Now, my dear, that we have done our bit, let's adjourn to the cellar. Yes, old fellow, we have a regular dinner down there. Come! Oh, I say! That's rubbing it in! K What's the matter? Watts (groaning): Why, before I came I heard that you had been appointed food dictator for this town, and I stopped at a restaurant and ate the biggest meal I’ve had for weeks! “WE WOULD FALN FLY, RUT WANTS FEATHERS” The Food Savers (Watts has been asked by Wilkins to spend the at his suburban home. He arrives, and dinner is an- nounced.) Witkins: Take this seat, old fellow. (Then to Mrs. Wilkins) Shall we break the news to him? Mrs. Witkins (who appears not to understand what he means): What news? Witxins: Why, you know—that I've been— Maks. Winkixs: Oh, yes. (To Watts) 1 must tell you that Jim has been appointed food conservator for this dis- trict. Watts (who, for reasons of his own, appears quite inno- cent): Now, just what does that mean? WILKIN: Oh, it means that we must set an example to. the whole community, of course. (Slightly oratorical.) It means that we must save our foodstuffs, This is vitally necessary. Mrs. Witkins: Have a carrot WILKIN Have an onion. Don’t take it, old chap, un- you can eat it all. We have to insist upon that. Good thing this room is in front, isn’t i Watts: Why? Wink Well, with the shades up, people can see us. You see, it is our moral and patriotic duty to set an example. Mrs. Witkins: Haveacracker. Yes; you see the neigh- bors might drop in on us, too. They frequently do Witkixs: Look here, my dear, weren't you going to have a piece of cheese to-night? Mas. Winkins: What! With a carrot and an onion? say THAT MY ACCOUNT IS OVERDRAWN. DON'T YOU THINK 17'S Never! DENT ON THEIR PART TO GO PRYING INTO MY AFFAIRS. Watts (cheerfully): By Jove! this is certainly a fine comicbooksscom