Life — April 8, 1920 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Satire from Life Magazine, Page 649 This page contains **spring-themed comic illustrations** (lambs, flowers, Johnny-jump-ups) alongside **political satire about Prohibition**. The main text criticizes **Republican governance in New York and New Jersey**, specifically mocking their inconsistent stance on alcohol. The passage notes that while Republicans claimed to support Prohibition, they actually "carried the water on both shoulders"—meaning they pleased both wet (anti-Prohibition) and dry (pro-Prohibition) voters to win elections. The satire suggests this hypocrisy undermines Prohibition's moral authority. The illustration below depicts **"The Village Blacksmith"** discussing a "wonderful scheme to stimulate business," likely implying corrupt or underhanded economic practices tied to Prohibition enforcement. The author E.S.M. questions whether such political maneuvering constitutes real fidelity to Prohibition.