Life — February 21, 1930 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Context This illustration depicts a naval military scene with a satirical caption. The image shows a small boat in the foreground (in silhouette) near a larger vessel, with moonlight illuminating a distant shoreline where palm trees are visible and another ship appears to be under fire or explosion. The caption reads: "REVENUE OFFICER: 'Let 'em have it, boys! They won't answer us!'" This appears to be satirizing enforcement efforts—likely depicting revenue officers or coast guard pursuing smugglers or illegal traders who refuse to respond to official hails. The dramatic nighttime setting and military action suggest commentary on Prohibition-era smuggling or customs enforcement, common satirical subjects in Life magazine during the 1920s-1930s. The humor lies in the aggressive pursuit of those evading revenue laws.