Life, 1919-04-10 · page 18 of 46
Life — April 10, 1919 — page 18: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**The main political cartoon** (bottom right, by DM) depicts an elephant labeled "G.O.P." (Republican Party) with its trunk caught in a bucket labeled "HOPE," dated 1920. Years marked 1912, 1916, and 1920 appear above, showing the elephant's declining size over time. The caption asks if "this one will burst too," suggesting the Republican Party is weakening and may collapse entirely. **Historical context**: This reflects post-WWI disillusionment and the 1920 presidential election period when Republicans faced internal divisions and public skepticism following the Wilson administration. **The poem "The Clean German Town"** by McLandburgh Wilson is a moral indictment of Germany for WWI atrocities—depicting a superficially orderly society with hidden "blood" and spiritual filth that no amount of cleanliness can wash away. **Minor content** includes satirical quips about Prohibition enforcement, suggestions to replace library lions with bison, and anti-flag law commentary—all reflecting 1920s social debates.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Clean German Town HE German town was clean and fair, The streets immaculately swept; Homes showed the hausfrau’s loving arc Sweet order diligent was kept, And in and out and everywhere All daintily the people stepped. Then came an angel from the skies And visited the shining gem; The horror gathered in his eyes, He drew away his garment’s hem, And to the people's pained surprise He would not touch the hands of then “A stain is on your blade,” he cried, “And blood upon your hands appears I can but see on every side The filthiness of filthy years, And there is foulness far and wide Where nothing has been washed with tears.” MeLandburgh Wilson. OVERNMENT INSPECTOR . Any alcohol on your premises? “ pOTH NOT THIS HAPPY SABBATH PEACE REJOICE THY PURITAN HEART? Topp: Any alcohol! You don't “AYE, VERILY, BROTHER!” think I would have the heart to dis- ; oo. appoint you, do you? Bisons and the Public Library HE ¢ two lions on the steps of the New York Public Library Roosevelt said of them, “ Why not bisons? Bisons are American.” Why not bison: Would bisons be too big to go where the lions are? Would they disturb pro- portion? If not—if art has no sound objection—bisons on the Library steps in memory of T. R. would look good to 1920 many people. Camouflagging It HE anti-red-flag law may bring about these surprising innovations : At railroad crossings: Lavender flag with gold tassels denotes danger. At auctioneers’ sales: Mauve flag with green palm leaf in center denotes day Ata dynamite shed: Violet banner with décolleté lady in center demands caution. At Harvard the crimson flag may be given up for a rare piece of Valen- ciennes lace. RACIOUS! Henry, what has hap- pened to you?” “T called Jones a United States Congressman. “ WONDEK IF THIS ONE WILL BURST TOO”