Judge, 1891-12-05 · page 8 of 52
Judge — December 5, 1891 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a festive illustrated poem celebrating Judge magazine's editorial philosophy and personified mascots. The image depicts allegorical figures representing the magazine's satirical tools: Joke, Jibe, Satire, Quip, and Cank (likely meaning "crank" or cantankerous commentary) gather in convivial celebration. The text presents these abstract concepts toasting "Folly" and "old Kris Kringle" (Santa), establishing Judge's role as a vehicle for witty social criticism during the holiday season. The final reveal—"That's the Christmas Judge this year!"—indicates this is the special holiday edition. The satire is gentle: the poem humorously positions Judge as a gathering place where humor, wit, and satirical commentary converge to skewer society's follies. The tone suggests Judge saw itself as a sophisticated, morally-engaged publication using laughter as a tool for social commentary, particularly fitting for a Christmas-season special issue.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Jon and freak ‘and Sentiment Called af mass Conventjon. Joke and Jibe were there, intent On ta and close attention. Satire vmiled his quiet smile, Quip ald Cank were jolly: fleres a health, said “Mr Guile, “Jo our ald friend fell; “ nd death to Melanchaly® ather drink to folly’ Aina, Peter the Judge aasterdly, Wit, who hits fim on. the Sing Jet whe Joves him dearly. @ “ ma ! our oF and jin oP eyey, akes ov: uses tnale: This to old: friashringle! “Why! waid they with Laugh an cheer, ‘i "Thats the CARS TAS JUDGE this year! ® I MM Carreony. comicbooks.com