Life, 1918-05-02 · page 27 of 40
Life — May 2, 1918 — page 27: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains multiple pieces of anti-German propaganda from what appears to be 1918 (April 21st mentioned). **"A Token of Affection"** describes a dynamite bomb discovered at Life's offices, attributed to German agents or sympathizers. The piece argues that even if successful, it would fail to suppress Life's spirit—portraying the attempt as both dangerous and contemptible. **"The Stay-at-Homes"** is a patriotic poem celebrating American women supporting the war effort through domestic work and morale maintenance. **"Boosting"** is a brief satirical dialogue mocking government food conservators' recommendations—once endorsed, prices rise anyway. **"Reward of Virtue"** is the harshest cartoon: a German mother promises her son he can mock American prisoners if he behaves—depicting Germans as inherently cruel and anti-American, reinforcing wartime prejudices. The page reflects American anxiety about German sabotage on home soil and uses satire to mock both enemy actions and domestic inconsistencies.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
| “LIFE- 727 A Token of Affection ~K Courtesy of the New York Evening Journat HIS pretty little object was found in the entrance to Lire’s editorial and business offices just after midnight, Sunday, April 21st. The police experts say it is one of the most ingeniously contrived, elaborately made and danger- ous dynamite bombs they have ever encountered. At the hour named West Thirty-first Street is a deserted thoroughfare. Vigilant Patrolman Timothy Shea, ov his usual rounds, discovered the suspicious-looking object, and the theory is that those in charge of it were frightened away by his approach just as they were about to light the fuse. As the bomb contained some seven pounds of dyna- mite. the place where this is written would now be only a hole in the air if these friends of Lire had been permitted to carry out their amiable intentions. As yet, the police have not been able to ident the authors of this attempt to blow Lire's home to smither- © kultured ti- Prosi, or locate cens, The first presumption is that they critics of Lire’ n and If it had been successful, it might strongly pro-Americ: q ave been an- policy. other proof of German frightfulness and a testimonial to our government's gentleness in dealing with German spies and conspirators in America. Even so, the elaborate effort would have failed of any real result, as Lire’s spirit and ed by the destruction influence would not be seriously affe of its offices. This attempt was as childish in design, and even if successful would have been as barren of real accom- plishment, as many other atrocities conceived by the German mind. Lire: is not ungrateful to the Providence that spared its property, but its serenity is not greatly disturbed by this futile effort of its German or other enemies. Change, But Not Rest ISS COLUMBIA: Don't you think, Uncle, that you need a complete change? Uncur Sat: Well, my dear, Ie mer in Europe, pect to prass the sum- The Stay-at-Homes HIE girls they left behind them do not sit With idle hands and grieve the 1 or seek forgetfulness in chattering pls But, capable and strong and keen of wit, They learn to plow and cook and nurse and knit, K hooks and bees; and, fearless, brave and gay, Defend their men from worry and dismay With cager, blithe, undaunted woman's grit. Mother and sweetheart, sister, daughter, wife, Banded together by a sacred trust, And working with one leal, accordant mind To serve with all their zest of love and life Those whose victorious strength and ardor must Depend upon the girls they left behind. Charlotte Becker. Boosting RKAWFORD: I find that the government food con- servators have a habit of recommending cheap substi- tutes, Crausnaw: Perhaps you've noticed that as soon as they recommend them they are no longer cheap. faa Wilh. REWARD OF VIRTUE Frau Essenschni Now, Fritzie, if you're a good boy and say your prayers nicely, maybe to-morrow I'll let you go and make faces at the American prisoners. comicbooks.com