Life, 1918-01-10 · page 19 of 40
Life — January 10, 1918 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This wartime satire (likely WWI era, given references to German and Austrian spies) mocks industrial negligence disguised as patriotism. A factory owner, confronted by an inspector about sabotage risks, reveals his priorities: he's posted a *notice* threatening punishment for destruction but refuses to hire actual watchmen because they cost five dollars daily. The joke targets capitalist shortsightedness during national crisis. The owner won't invest in security despite acknowledged enemy threats, dismisses concerns about foreign nationals among employees (prioritizing cheap labor over safety), and resists any measure that cuts profits—even when property destruction is "at a great rate." The cartoon above shows "Tammany" (political corruption) being pulled by "Suffrage" (women's voting rights), labeled "Her Victory," suggesting concurrent social/political struggles. The "Save Food" poster contextualizes wartime rationing campaigns meant to support military efforts.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE: 59 Rememptr My Dear Woman, I Gor Sev Tue Barco ! Me mam V4 il) aN Poona 3 Precautions H! Good morning, sir. You are the owner of an American muni- t, 1 believe.” sir, What can I do for you? “T merely dropped in to inquire what precautions you were taking against be- ing blown up “Precautions? I don't understand 1 WAY you, sir.” 2 USE LESS WHEAT sontar “T mean are you doing anything to SAVE ALOAF A WEEK ’ prevent the destruction of your ; p 2 FOOD IS FUEL FOR FIGHTERS plant?” “Certainly Iam. T have had a hand- some notice printed saying that if any- one destroys this plant they may be punished for it.” “But have you any watchmen?” “Watchman! My dear sir, are you aware that the price of a watchman has risen to five dollars a day?” “But don’t you think you ought to take some measures? I understand there are German and Austrian spies everywhere, and that property is being | destroyed at a great rate.” | “Well, Iam delighted that you take enough interest to keep me informed. I shall order immediately a couple of water barrels and drop a postal card to the local police telling them to keep an cye on my place. But when you ask me to employ efficient watchmen or to. question my employees, that’s going too far. Why, sir, the more employees I have, no matter what their nationality, >” | the more money I make it’s hard | enough to get ’em anyway!” VETERANS, . comicbooks.com