Life, 1923-10-11 · page 14 of 36
Life — October 11, 1923 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical cartoon depicts two figures fishing together labeled "German Reparations," likely referencing post-WWI peace negotiations. The two anglers appear to represent Britain and France (suggested by their formal attire and top hats, typical caricature dress for European powers). They're fishing in troubled waters beneath a gnarled tree, with birds fleeing overhead—visual metaphors for instability and discord. The satire mocks the Allied powers' attempts to extract reparations from defeated Germany, suggesting their efforts are futile or self-destructive ("terrible entente"). The title plays on "Entente Cordiale" (the British-French alliance), implying the partnership itself becomes problematic through reparations disputes. The accompanying letter about a father's college finances may be intentionally juxtaposed to suggest national financial troubles parallel family budget crises.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
L'ENTENTE TERRIBLE The Letters of a Modern Father Y pear Son: Conferences looking to a solution of the problem of shortening the hours of the men in our steel mill have forced me to work fourteen hours a day recently, so I have had to delay writing to you about your college plans. I have before me your analysis of the probable expenses of your sophomore year and I deduce therefrom that you have an excellent chance of making your mark in Con- gress as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Your estimates of five thousand dollars for the year are all right; but I fail to find any allowance for tires, trips to New York and other necessities. As a matter of train- ing for you I would rather apportion funds for these things now than have you present them later in the guise of “incidentals.” I suggest, therefore, that we come to terms on a basis of six thousand dollars for the year, with the understanding that if you exceed that amount you will have to earn your way for the rest of the year. If you could find time to run home for a few hours before you leave the seashore for college your mother and I would appreciate it. Your AFFECTIONATE FATHER. comicbooks.com