Life, 1924-04-03 · page 19 of 60
Life — April 3, 1924 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical page mocks post-WWI peace sentiment by holding a darkly humorous "contest" inviting readers to propose recipes for starting new wars. The cartoon figures represent different vocal advocates for renewed conflict: - **Private Pete Miller** (wounded veteran at Cantigny) ironically pushes war despite his injuries - **Corporal Eddie Hill** (wounded at Arras) opposes disarmament, claiming it weakens national character - **Percival Blah Smith** (clergyman/banqueter) worries war's absence will harm young people's moral fiber The satire targets war-hungry voices emerging immediately after WWI's conclusion—veterans, clergy, and politicians claiming peace itself is dangerous. By framing their arguments as "recipes for starting conflict," LIFE ridicules how easily these figures rationalize renewed warfare, suggesting they're so eager for the next war they might as well be consciously plotting it. The piece criticizes militaristic nostalgia and the failure of post-war society to genuinely embrace peace.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE’S War Prize Contest Concoct Recipes for Starting New Conflict Thousands of Peace-Weary Contestants Theos Khuda, With wars shou Ernest The Battle Cry Ir we are to halt this crucl Peace must appeal to the pop As ls it, Fe is needed—a Sk understar 1 earth knows war was about. But a umbly submit one 30 ok FIGHT! I am perfectly aware that it doesn’t an anything, but sooner or | © Statesman or Clergyma y Light will write a two-v efining it and then you w nd it clearly. It has va butes: it can be a K. Harr. ding, Pro: Inclusive Have aq on the waters ome Private Pete Miller, wounded and shell shocked at Cantign ste and Patriot, vho seer poral Eddie Hill, nded ot Arras, who brands dis~ armament as de nerecy and deplons effect on the al fiber of the rising generation Percival Blah: Si Clergymen end Banqveteer, who | fears the effect of NOW IT CAN TOLD comicbooks.com