Life, 1918-12-12 · page 14 of 34
Life — December 12, 1918 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes American ignorance about peace negotiations following World War I. The poem "When the Peace Conference Is On" by Strickland Gillinan mocks how ordinary Americans receive only censored or filtered information about the Paris Peace Conference proceedings. References include: - **Artie Burleson** (Postmaster General) controlling cable communications - **G.C.** (likely George Creel, head of wartime propaganda) - **Wilson, Woodrow, Welliver, Blythie, Irvin Cobb** — figures expected to provide truthful conference reports The satire's point: Americans wonder what's *actually* happening abroad while authorities tightly control the information flow. The bottom cartoon shows a child's innocent question about baby Willie swimming—a lighter domestic contrast to the serious geopolitical frustration above.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE RIFT IN THE LOOT When the Peace Conference Is On READ the copious Creelograms that come across the sea, And I wonder what is happening over there. The lengthy statement of details is placed in front of me; Still, I wonder what is happening over there. I wouldn’t hint, you understand, that Brother Cree! would lie, Although he’s not that other George, who couldn't if he'd try. Yet when his censored yarn assails my Didymistic eye, T wonder what is happening over there. With Artie Burleson on guard at every cable end, One wonders what is happening over there. With nothing coming, only what G. C. will let them send, We wonder what is happening over there. We used to watch, the sheets for several versions of the news ; Instead of that we're now regaled with one observer's views. How can he have such privilege and never once abuse? I wonder what is happening over there! “One Wilson from the U. S. A. is dominating things "— T wonder what is ‘happening over there. “Our Woodrow stands ace-high above that measly bunch of kings"— I'd like to know what's happening over there. If Welliver or Ackerman y there to snoop about, If Blythe or Irvin Cobb were free to give a warning shout, The facts about the conference would certainly get out I wonder what is happening over there! Strickland Gillilan. HICH is more important, the promulgation of per- sonal views in Europe or personal attention to the business of the American people? i) ow, eBdw000" DREAM OF AN INVENTIVE ARTILLERY MAN Mother: Witit, HAVE YOU BEEN GooD TO BABY WHILE Was our? “YES, MA, AN’ IE KIN ALMOST SWIM NO}