Life, 1919-04-10 · page 20 of 46
Life — April 10, 1919 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two satirical pieces mocking American institutions and wartime management: **"To Congressmen"** (left): A scathing critique of Congress as all talk and no action. The text sardonically advises legislators to speak endlessly while saying nothing meaningful, never referencing history or economics beyond Washington and the Boston Tea Party. The satire suggests Congress is useless during both war and peace—merely producing empty rhetoric while the nation suffers. **"Mr. Creel Has Resigned"**: References George Creel, who headed the Committee on Public Information during WWI. His resignation is treated as a loss equivalent to losing the country itself, suggesting he was vital to war efforts. **"Confidence"**: A brief joke about an airplane service selling "commutation tickets" (transit passes) to reassure safety-conscious passengers—absurdist humor about corporate double-speak. **The bottom cartoon** depicts a working-class character borrowing a dime to take his girlfriend to movies, likely commenting on wartime economic hardship or rationing affecting ordinary Americans.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
To Congressmen EMEMBER always to talk, to talk to the uttermost, to talk without stint or limit, but never to say anything. Remember that, though all talk is cheap, the talk of Congress is cheapest Remember that to women and Con- gress is always due the last word. Remember that to some men it is given to do; to some men, not to do; hut to Congress, simply to talk. Remember in your talking never to use any background of history beyond he figure of George Washington, or any economic condition after the Bos- ton tea-fight. Remember when the country goes to war, to talk; when peace comes, to talk; when men die, to talk; when they are overjoyed, to talk. The nation will always know just what to expect from you—simply talk. Remember, however, that to all men WANTED A COOD MINE SWEEPER who have the talent for talking it is Confidence’ given at least once to wish they had «A RE you sure this airplane servies been born dumb, of yours is safe?” inquired the timid passenger, M* CREEL has resigned. So isthe “Ts it safe?” echoed the manager country. “Why, we sell commutation tickets.” “so HO! DAT’S WHY HE BORROWED MY DIME DIS MOKNING—TO TAKE MY GIRL TO DE Movies!”