Life, 1917-12-13 · page 7 of 40
Life — December 13, 1917 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a satirical poem titled "Treason" by John Kendrick Bangs, illustrated with a sketch showing what appears to be a military or official inquiry scene. The cartoon depicts several uniformed men questioning a single figure about shooting a bird, with the caption: "Why did you shoot that bird, sentry?" "Well, sir, I challenged him three times, an' he refused to answer." The satire appears to critique the definition of treason itself rather than any specific political figure. The poem distinguishes between various forms of betrayal—from conspiracies against the state to personal acts of deception—arguing that true treason involves deliberate intent to harm the nation. The bird-shooting joke seems to illustrate absurd interpretations of duty and challenge, mocking overzealous or rigid interpretations of military protocol. The overall piece questions what constitutes genuine treason versus misunderstanding or incompetence.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“WHY DID YOU SHOOT THAT BIRD, SFNTR “WELL, SIR, 1 CHALLENGED HIM THREE TIMES, Treason It would be well, in these days standing, if somebody would defin us what it really is.—Datly paper. ELL, Treason, as T see the same, Is some internal act of shame W A deed that stays the Nation's arm To shield our soldier-boys from harm, And makes their footing insecure— That comfort gives to a Who'd lay our Uncle Sammy low. That's Treason, simple, plain and pure. A word that’s spoke with the intent I Vre That's Treason, view it how we may harass or to swerve our bent 1 winning Peace that comes to stay— A sneer, a jeer, a jibe, a joke, i To chill their ardor for the fight That's Treason, At the expense of fighting f seen in any light . AN’ HE REFUSED TO ANSWER.” of much misunder- ¢ Treason, and tell A plan intended to impede The country’s course in time of need, And paralyze its plan of war— Th freason, Treason to the core. Conspiracy against the hand To which the People give command Is not the only policy That marks the road of Treachery 's ‘Tis not the gold the Traitor takes That in itself the Treason makes ; A bit of bargain and of sale Marks not alone the Treason's trail— ‘Tis the Intent, the Wish that lies Beyond the reach of human eyes Deep in the Traitor his That proves Trea comicbooks.com