Life, 1920-03-04 · page 23 of 78
Life — March 4, 1920 — page 23: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page announces a reader contest asking for titles to accompany the illustrated scene showing four figures examining a document. The image appears to depict a formal or political situation—possibly involving government officials or diplomacy, given the serious expressions and formal dress. The contest offers substantial prizes ($500, $200, $100) for the best title, with a May 3, 1920 deadline. The detailed rules emphasize that titles must be concise (25 words maximum) and original or properly attributed. A quote at bottom—"Mr. Wilson's letter to Mr. Lansing"—suggests the image relates to President Woodrow Wilson and Secretary of State Robert Lansing, likely referencing a contemporary political matter. The subsequent mention of "PRINCIPLE never disregarded by its author" implies satirical commentary on Wilson's stated principles versus practical politics. Without identifying the specific document or moment depicted, the satirical intent appears to critique a gap between stated moral principles and actual conduct in governance.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“LIFE- Life’s Title Contest For the best title to the picture on this page Lire will award prizes as follows : First Prize. F Second Prize . ‘ Third Prize . : $500.00 $200.00 $100.00 the loss of manuscripts. Contestants TE cea For the Best Title to this Picture $800 will be given in Prizes Sce conditions below CONDITIONS Contestants are advised to read these con and to conform to them undertake to enter ditions carefully, actly, Lire cannot nto correspondence or to reply to inquiries. 3y “best” is understood that title which most cleverly and briefly de- scribes the situation shown in the pic- ture. No title submitted shall consist of more than twenty-five words. Hyphen- ated words will be counted as one. Contestants may send in more than one answer, but each one must be on & separate sheet, with name and ad- dress plainly written. The contest is open to everybody. In case of any dispute as to the status of a winning contestant under these conditions, the Editors of Lire will be the sole judges. But a liberal interpre- tation will be placed on the conditions. The contest is open now. It will close at noon on Monday, May 3, 1920, no manuscripts received on that date after that hour being considered, All manuscripts should be addressed to the Contest Editor of Lire, 17 West Thirty-first Street, New York. E velopes addressed in any other. way will not be considered. Envelopes must contain nothing but the competing title and the name and address of the sender, plainly written, all on the same sheet. If you have anything else to say to Lire, send it in a separate letter. The Editors will not be responsible for are advised to keep duplicate copies. No manuscripts will be returned, Titles may be original or may be a quotation from some well-known author, but in this case the source must be accurately given. It is not necessary to be a subscriber to Lire to be a contestant. In case of ties the full amount of the prize will be given to each tying contestant. The final award will be announced as early as possible after the close of the contest. Of this due notice will be given. Checks will be sent simultane- ously with the announcement of the award, The earlier you send your title the better. In previous contests many ar- rived too late. Custom and precedent are of the most serious consequence. —Mr. Wilson's letter to Mr. Lansing. PRINCIPLE never disregarded by its author. CONSCIENCE — WHEN YOU'RE ON A DIST comicbooks.com