Life, 1918-02-14 · page 12 of 40
Life — February 14, 1918 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains two satirical pieces: **"How the Feud Started"** (right): A mock-epic poem blaming dogs and cats' eternal conflict on a broken "Parchment" granting dogs freedom. Mice breached this ancient charter, causing the dog to eternally chase the cat in revenge. The satire uses animal fable conventions to humorously explain natural animal behavior as if it were serious political/legal history. **"The German Destroyer" (top left)** and **"Upset" (bottom)**: The top cartoon shows a figure labeled "U.S. Industries" being confronted by what appears to be a German military figure. The bottom depicts a domestic dispute where a burglar isn't blamed—the husband blames his dog ("Little Fido Garfield"). These appear to reference World War I–era concerns and domestic humor, respectively.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
252 Officer: WERE TO COME HOME GLAR, WOULDN'T YOU INTERFERE? “xo, sir! NTIOUS OBJECTION RUBBISH! IF YOU ND FIND YOUR WIFE FIGHTING A BUR- I'D LEAVE THE BURGLAR TO HIS FATE,” How the Feud Started EFORE there were Pineapples, Peaches or Plums, The Dog and the Cat were Companions and Chums. (They lived in a Highly Respectable Grotto, Where “God Bless Our Home” was their Favorite Motto.) The Dog had a Parchment, a Parchment had he, Proclaiming his Right to he Happy and Free. (This Charter was signed by the Patriarch Noah, And Witnessed in Form by the Goat and the Boa.) The Dog went a-hunting on Mount Ararat; The Parchment he left in the Care of the Cat. (His Trust in the Cat was Complete and Abiding. The Dog, then as ever, was Much Too Confiding.) The Cat, who was always a Rover in Soul, Grew bored with the Cavern and went for a Stroll. (Beguiled by the Song of the Birds in the Bowers, He ambled and rambled for Hours and Hours.) Then out from their Crannies the Mouse People crept, And Lunched on the Parchment that Puss should have kept! (They flocked with their Children, their Nephews and Nieces ; They shredded the Charter and ate up the Pieces.) When Home came the Dog near the Close of the Day, The Last of his Freedom was whisking away! (He leaped !—but the Tails disappeared in a Flicker. The Dog may be Quick, but the Mouse Folk are Quicker.) When Home strolled the Cat as the Twilight grew dim, The Dog paid the Utmost Attention to Him! (The Cat, who in Climbing was always a Leader, Escaped by a Whisker and ran up a Cedar.) So, seeking his Vengeance—and justly, at that— The Dog, through the Ages, still chases the Cat. (The Cat, with Equivalent Justification, Has chosen the Mouse as his Favorite Ration.) Arthur Guiterman, Upset “VY/HAT'S happened to your room? Rugs torn, furniture marred—a grand mix-up.” “Yes; my dog got in here while I was away.” “Which dog?” “Little Fido Garfield.” COM),