Life, 1918-12-05 · page 8 of 76
Life — December 5, 1918 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The central cartoon depicts a figure falling upside-down, captioned "Optimist: GEE! I HOPE I LAND ON THE KAISER!" This is a WWI-era satire referencing Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. The "optimist" joke suggests that even falling helplessly, someone would hope to land on (harm) the Kaiser—expressing intense anti-German sentiment during American involvement in the war. The text above describes a "Pro" (presumably a German-American) who left Germany opposing militarism, but during WWI became a "conscientious objector" to American war efforts. The narrative criticizes him for refusing to support America while displaying German patriotism, suggesting disloyalty. Together, these pieces reflect 1920 American suspicion of German-Americans during and after WWI.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Chronology of a “Pro” H = left Germany many years ago because he did not like the mili- tary form of government, and, there- fore, he came to America to seek free- dom and opportunity. He readily found employment, and became pros- perous, At the inception of the great war he immediately espoused the cause of the Kaiser and expressed his hatred espe- cially against England. He always ap- MW LC. peared to love America, however, and 779 pire) ASH Tepe ularly displayed the flag on all Sill Shitting fe) ll national holidays. Upon the entry of our country into the war, he suddenly became “a con- scientious objector.” and gave this as TS patterns are distinctly different from the shop window variety and express a degree : b ga of exclusiveness and good taste seldom if ever his reason for not subscribing to the before obtained in sitk shistings. Liberty Loan or aiding any of the hu- ; ner) cites He cer ae Empire Wash Crepe is splendidly durable, af. manitarian activities. He retained his fording true economy in the long run. It makes membership in the “ Turngemeinde, ‘a useful and distinctive Christmas Gift. however, and attended all its meetings. while his love for the dear Fath Sold only by the finest custom shirtmakers and - athee haberdashery shops. Ask to see Empire Patterns. land” he had deserted years ago sud- Send for illustrated descriptive booklet denly returne is subtle way . clenly surat Js his own : Hel i EMPIRE SILK COMPANY he aided the sinister propaganda which Makers of Empire Jl, was at work throughout the length and 318 Founh Avenue New York breadth of the country; but he re- frained from all war talk, and covered his tracks so cleverly that his neigh- bors who did not consider him a ‘true friend to America could never legally u s prove it. His flag was no longer dis- played, but he explained that “it was Motor Car torn, and he was thinking about get- ting a-new one.” At the present time he is employed at war work, and is making more money than ever before, by working for the government of a people whose cause he always refuses to support. Locals, 1920 Famous ish 1867 — the 5 'ORDHAM = ZOO. * Daily. William pial ei choict today FE oeccssslers and Crown Prince 3 s i third cage to right. Don't feed or annoy. Durable Luxurious President-Elect Pershing is at the Ritz Beautiful - Warm mae. Plush Robes erie cwstepn ims 8 | sR The two newly elected congressional representatives from Bavaria passed pale, vee through the city yesterday on their way nt he, fast. oe 4 intact over a ee patio’ to Washington. ere usage. : Fast air service to Turkey and the They Prptect bike k Orient daily. Parlor plane seats re Puron & served. Round trip ninety-nine dollars 9 & ene W. R. Hearst—Shoestrings and pencils. ansed Sign of tin cup, Broadway and Dey ertul E Daily 5 a ni i —F h eee wnuea Swarr ye ewaes | Grand ball to-night, Waldorf—Frenc | : wives of American soldiers. iL. C. CHASE & CO., BOSTON 4 —— | saree CMICAGO DETROIT GAN Fmanciec: Leaders in Manufacturing Since 1847. | OKUS: Before they were marricd Optimist: Geel 1 HOPE 1 LAND ON THE he used to pay her compliments. KatseR! } Pokus: Yes, but now he pays her bills.