Life, 1919-04-24 · page 10 of 46
Life — April 24, 1919 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct pieces of satirical content: **"To Poland"** (top left): A humorous toast poem celebrating Poland, likely referencing Polish immigration or diplomatic relations during the early 20th century. The verse employs mock-formal language typical of Life's satirical style. **"The Stranger Within Our Gates"** (main narrative): A story about Bilikins of the Midwest arriving in the city and suffering a series of indignities—being cheated, robbed, stripped in an elevator, and beaten by spectators. The accompanying illustrations show a poorly-dressed man being harassed by a well-dressed gentleman. The satire appears to mock xenophobia and urban cruelty toward immigrants or outsiders ("the stranger within our gates"), while the crude illustrations and unfortunate protagonist suggest commentary on prejudice and the harsh treatment of vulnerable newcomers to American cities.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
To Poland LUTE, O Poland! Here's your good health and long life! We may not drink to you in anything Else but nut sundaes and malted milk But, all the same, here's to you! In crescenc octaves, in d So-la-si-to’ We helieve ! We have O Polanc Nourishes sunding admiration for Aspiration Paderewski forever! Kah! Rah! Poland! The Stranger Within Our Gates BIEEBINS of the Middle rived in the metropolis at thirty ALM At seven-forty-five he Rah! West ar- seven- was black guarded by a taxi-cab driver At cight-thirty he robbed by. the was cheated and proprietor of a res- taurant Said the Fur-coated Danie to the Hairless Pup “You cute up!” Said the Pup: “Were you clad in your own natal suit You'd be colder than [I sm ard not half so cute.” little th let me cover you HON'T YOU At ten his ribs were crushed in a department-store elevator, and an at- tempt to remove his hat in the presence of certain females caused a riot At eleven he was choked by a sub- way guard, At twelve he was ushered out of the office of an old classmate, who, at the end of two minutes’ talk, gave him the icy stare and resumed dictation At two he fell among the moving- picture promoters At seven a clothes. hat-boy removed his At eight-fifteen the speculators beat him up. KNow \t eleven he was sandbagger his few remaining possessions away At two o'clock, when he sai prayers, he remarked ~O Lord, | came into this town clothed, but Tam bless Mayor Hylan.” now naked. You will be glad to learn IPE: that our back to us. Huseaxp (weakly): Too late. My stomach is so far gone, from the work of that ex-ammunition worker, thot I see no hope for the future. French chef is coming