Life, 1918-04-04 · page 13 of 40
Life — April 4, 1918 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains WWI-era propaganda and satire from an American magazine. The top cartoon, "The Autocrat," depicts Lady Liberty being dragged by a figure labeled "LARGE CAPITAL," satirizing wealthy industrialists profiting from war. "Save and Lend" is a patriotic poem encouraging Americans to purchase war bonds to support "Uncle Sam" (the U.S. government) in fighting Germany—a major fundraising campaign during WWI. "Getting Ready" quotes Germans preparing for future war, reflecting American concerns about German militarism. The lower cartoon mocks military inefficiency, showing soldiers struggling with bureaucratic solutions (an overcoat contract and mosquito netting) rather than practical wartime supplies—likely criticizing procurement failures or officer incompetence during the war effort.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
549 Enemies Within ACK SPRATT grew sleck and fat, Selling equipment to army officers at fabulous prices ($3.00 shoes for $12.00 a pair, $12.50 over- coats for $90.00, and other things. at equally reasonable rates), if you get what we mean: His wife was quite as keen— She rented rooms to army officers at anywhere from ten to fifteen dollars a week, and sometimes seventeen : THE AUTOCRAT And so, betwixt the two of them, They did their little bit for the Kaiser, and nearly licked the Save and Lend army platter clean HE very best friend that you own Is coming, to-day or to-morrow, To ask for a bit of a loan ' Of all you can gather and borrow. You know what he’s wanting it for; You aren't too fond of the Kaiser; You know he'll repay it and more— So lend it, and don't be a miser! Your friend is your old Uncle Sam, Who saves you from being a martyr; You know he’s as mild as a lamb, But when he must fight, he’s a Tar- tar! There's billions that have to be spent To make him a two-fisted hitter; You know he'll return ever; cent— Then aid him, and don’t be a quitter! Oh, buy every bond that you can! Don’t question and haggle and pal- ter! Your Uncle's a generous man, And safe as the Rock of Gibraltar. He's asking no more than his due; He needs every soul for his backer; He's working and fighting for you— Then help him, and don't be a slacker! Arthur Guiterman, Getting Ready “IT SEE the Germans are already pre- paring for the next war.” “Well, we'll be ready for them. By that time we shall have forgotten all “ A NEW ARRIVAL, YOUR MAJESTY. USED TO HAVE AN ARMY OVERCOAT CONTRACT.” “coop! PUT HIM IN THE REFRIGERATING DEPARTMENT AND GIVE HIM A YARD OR we have learned in this one.” TWO OF MOSQUITO NETTING TO KEEP HIMSELF WARM.” Txun | comicbooks.com