Judge, 1894-08-11 · page 13 of 16
Judge — August 11, 1894 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This poem satirizes the inflated self-importance of small-town notables. The piece contrasts emperors and czars (likely referencing Russian autocracy, a common Judge target) with an unnamed "big man in a little town" who, despite lacking royal lineage or actual power, considers himself superior. The satire's point: local small-town figures — businessmen, politicians, or social leaders — believed their provincial influence made them genuinely important, when in reality they were petty and self-deluded. The poem mocks how townspeople fawned over these men for "valuable advice," treating them as wise oracles. The phrase "over there" suggests European grandeur they could never match. By placing this man alongside actual autocrats, Judge ridicules the absurd gap between perceived and actual importance — a common American satirical theme mocking small-town pomposity and social pretension. The surrounding advertisements (trunks, pianos, bicycles) are typical magazine filler, not part of the satire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE BIG MAN IN A LITTLE TOWN. The czar of all the Russias is declared to be an autocrat Who, as a rash, harsh monarch, has the ruling business down real pat ; And there are other mighty men who govern with an iron hand, “ly. | And who insist on being praised by every sub- tired that ore Srxp_ FoR ‘aLoccE. Yawman & EABe, Rochester, N.Y. DOES IT. HILTON, HUGHES & 00, SUCCESSORS TO A. T. STEWART & CO. TRUNKS _*» BAGS. Steamer Trunks, Leather Bound, Brass Corners. 32 in. $6.50 34 in, $7.00 $7. ry 36 in. Reduced i from $8.00, 8.50, $9.00. send LEATHER AND ALLIGATOR BAGS IN GREAT VARIETY. If you contemplate a two or three months’ residence in trunks and traveling bags, we advise an early inspection of our superb stock. EVERY ARTICLE CARRIES OUR GUARANTEE. ‘The Entire Block Broadway, 4th Ave., oth and toth Sts., NEW YORK. get more prompt ention and better service ing Jepox when iswering advertisements, Can $7-50 ject in the land, Bat king nor emperor nor czar nor any other potentate, It matters not how vast his realm, how glorious his pomp and state ; It matters not how many gems may sparkle in his royal crown, Is half so grand a being as the big man ina little town. ‘The big man ina little town may never boast a royal name Nor noble blood, but what of that? Why need he care from whence he came, Since all the earth is his to sell or trade’or give away or rent? No wonder that this hollow life to him seems rounded with content. All classes and all ages know that he is won- derfully wise ; All people come from far and near to seek his valuable advice. "Tis said that in the “‘over there” for him the brightest crown, For nothing else would satisfy the big man from a little town.—Chicago Journal, they save ‘The Sohmer Bijou grand piano is a grand piano indeed. A noted artist says, ‘* The ex- cellence of workmanship and the’ brilliancy, sweetness and quality of tone are, in one word, wonderful.” Bicycle teacher—"* Now, all you need is con- jence, don’t you see?" | The student of the wheel—"* Oh, yes; 1 tumble."—Philadelphia Record, Billtired—" The world owes me a good liv- in’ an’ that's all they be to it.” Tom Wiser— Yes, ol’ boy; but you see they is so many o° you fellers thet she can’t pay her bills."—Bos- ton Courier. “Beg pardon,” said the missionary, “‘ but will you translate his majesty's remarks again? Did he tell his daughter that he was to have guests to dinner or for dinner ?"—/ndianapolis Journal. ‘A Chicago paper heads an article on the strike, "With firmness the soldiers cow the strikers.” ‘That was probably done so that the engincers could steer the cars along the track. Milwaukee Journal. “* Why," she said as she watched the tum- bling waves come in, * “do they call them break. ers?” “I cannot tell,” he replied in solemn tones, “unless it's because it costs me seven dollars and a half a day to get near them,” Detroit Free Press, IF YOU READ this ad, in Suage others would read yours, Orns EON ueatacettiy ree omede Siel h tsar CUS » SNYDER, M. D., Ms ee ess Maviokeoe ‘Theate: Ga A TIP ow Am G For Sate by alt Leading Grocers and, Wine Merchants. PLEASANT VALLE VALLEY WINE CO., RHEIMS, S' ERICAN CHAMPAGNE. reat Western Is unequaled for purity and excel- lence, and is now used ia many of the best Hotels, Clubs and Homes in preference to foreign vintages. on9 4 trial case wilt satisfy the most Sastidious. ‘Steuben Co. N.Y. H.B. KIRK & CO., 69 Fulton St. and | 158 Broadway, New York Agents. 93 Victor Sporting Goods Lead ——— Goods are Victor She, peokoct of Victor os ve instead of being made on contract by outside parties. We ‘warrant every We belong to no trust, ‘shall offer better than have ever been lower prices, Note Victor Prices. Victor Base Balls—each, Victor Base Ball Bats—round—each, Victor Base Ball Bats—oval handle—each, Victor Tennis Rackets—each, Victor Tennis Balls—per doz., Vietor Foot Ballyincluding pump—each, OVERMAN WHEEL CO. Makers of Victor Bicycles. Phitadetpbia. Chicage. rACINC Coast: Los Angeles, Boston, . Detroit New York, Deaver, San Franclsco. Portland. The new London bridge cost five million dollars, and yet a tramp can walk over it along- side of a millionaire.—Florida Times-Union, for gentlemen %} is the only sat- 3 ter, as it auto- % matically ad-9 justs itself tog any size of leg and does not bind. It is sold by men’soutfitters everywhere. ‘and be sure you getit. Mave BY George Frost Company, Boston. ot WRIGHT'S PARAGON HEADACHE REMEDY, ott re Ices eer Gunpie free. Wit 1e Kemedy surg, soothing to the on ** Why does Cholly always carry an umbrel- la?” "1 guess it is because healoesn't know enough to go in when it rains,"—New York Press. SUMMER ———Now Ready. NUMBER JUDGE’S QUARTERLY. “The laughing sensation of the season.”’ Sixty pages of Fun, and selling like sixty. For sale on all Railroads, all Book and News Stands, or mailed on receipt of price, 25 cents. JUDGE PUBLISHING CO. OF NEW YORK, 110 Fifth Avenue, New York City. comicbooks.com