Life — January 23, 1919 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Snake in the Grass" - YMCA Criticism This satirical cartoon criticizes the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) during World War I. The illustration shows four military officers discovering a snake in grass, captioning it "THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS." The accompanying article attacks the YMCA's wartime operations, alleging incompetence and poor judgment in managing supplies and selecting personnel. The text charges the organization with sending unsuitable secretaries to support troops, being "too businesslike" and wasteful, and failing soldiers' trust. The "snake" metaphor suggests the YMCA's leadership was treacherous or deceptive—presenting itself as helpful to the military effort while actually undermining it through bungling administration and corrupt practices. This reflects broader Progressive Era skepticism of large institutional failures during the war.