Life, 1918-08-22 · page 24 of 34
Life — August 22, 1918 — page 24: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"Ballade of an American Maiden"** is a patriotic poem celebrating how American women have been transformed by World War I. The poem describes a young woman who previously lived a frivolous life (soft music, opera, ignoring the poor) but now devotes herself to serious pursuits—knitting for soldiers, charity work, and sacrifice—all motivated by love for "a lad in khaki clad" (a soldier). **"The New Order"** is a satirical cartoon mocking government housing programs for laborers. A government official provides a worker with luxurious accommodations, but the worker becomes absurdly demanding—insisting on multiple bathrooms, wall art (requesting Napoleon crossing the Delaware), and even an office for worker delegates. The joke satirizes both workers' unrealistic entitlements and government overreach. The wife's character provides additional humor, as she's satisfied while her husband greedily exploits the situation, suggesting working-class ingratitude toward government assistance. Both pieces reflect WWI-era American attitudes: idealized female patriotism and skepticism toward social welfare programs.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
216 ‘LIFE: Ballade of an American Maiden HE used to play soft plaint and prayer In pensive-wise—adagio ; Though she would laughingly declare What it all meant she did not know, The while she made the music flow With the alluring skill she had; Now every note holds much, I trow; s for a lad in khaki clad! She walks with an awakened air No more she takes her “ chow The gowns to-day you see her wear She would have scorned a year ago. And be the sun or high or low, in tow; Knitting is something more than fad; Her needles move like magic—Lo! ‘Tis for a lad in khaki clad! Her tea and “toffy” she will share With those she once considered “low”: The opera she will forswear In favor of a movie show; She pities want, she pities woe; She strives to aid the sick and sad; In her blue eyes a tender glow— ‘Tis for a lad in khaki clad! Li nvot Friend, could you watch her come and go, The heart within you would grow glad; You'd wish (and could I blame you? No!) You were that lad in khaki clad! Clinton Scollard, The New Order The idea is to create healthful mental con- ditions among the populace. —A United States Senator. OFFICIAL (sho has just “ FOIL DE LAN'S SAKE, NIGGA, DON'T YOHT S'POSE YOU PUSSUADE YOM TERF TO CHATTAH IN RAGTIME?” OULD OVERNM K escorted a laborer into the new home provided for him by the Department of La- Lauower: Um, Me woife likes cooking by an cleetric bor): I sincerely hope, sir, that everything Stove. And there don’t be half enough electric lights. ; will be found to your satisfaction OrrictaL: Pray give yourself no uneasiness on that Lanoerr (looking around critically): Phat! Score. We will double the number of outlets at once. T fin) Only wan bath tub? Laporer: And where's me office in case the striking | = Orrician: That must be an oversight. I delegates wish to step in for a conference? BS Se” will have another bathroom put in immediately. OrriciaL: Everything will be arranged, We'll have an Lanoxer: Me woife wants pictures on the walls. office built on. Orriciat: Certainly. (Rather appalled by the demands Tue Wire (eho feels that her husband is over-critical) : and wishing to have his own little joke.) Would you Mike, give over! It's wanderful! We niver had such a | prefer a Velasquez or a Rembrandt? home before | Lanorer: We'll look 'em over. But as for me, give me Lanorer: Keep quiet, Mary. Don’t we own the govern- Napoleon crossing the Delaware. ment now? Orrictat: I shall be happy to send a number for your inspection. (Proudly) I hope you notice these copper-lined O flower pots. It is these thoughtful little things that em- bellish any home. of the most encouraging signs is the fact that the only happy-looking Germans on the firing line are the ones who have surrendered,