Judge, 1896-11-07 · page 11 of 16
Judge — November 7, 1896 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement**, not political satire. Williams' Shaving Soap targets barbers with a comparative pricing argument. The "16 to 1" refers to the soap-to-water ratio: Williams' contains 16 ounces of actual soap per pound, while competitors contain only 8-12 ounces—the rest being water. The ad argues that cheaper soaps are actually expensive because customers pay for water, and risk health hazards from impure ingredients. The page includes testimonials (left and right margins) from satisfied users praising Williams' purity and safety. The "WARNING" box on the right cites an "eminent authority" cautioning against adulterated soaps containing harmful substances. The appeal is economic rather than satirical: barbers should choose quality soap that demonstrates value and protects customers' health, positioning Williams' as the superior long-term investment despite higher upfront costs.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A POINTER FOR BARBERS: The Great Question Easily Solved. What is the meaning of 16 to4 ? It means 16 ounces Of ABSOLUTELY PURE, Absolutely Safe, THOROUGHLY Seasoned Bs SOAP every = Package of WILLIAMS’ Shaving Soap. The “so-called” cheap soaps contain from 8 to 12 ounces of soap — (generally strong — rank and impure)— the rest is Water. That ’s the difference between “ Wiuuiams’” — (“The only Real Shaving Soap”) — and the “so-called” Cheap Soaps. FRAPPR FEF FFPFPPFPHS Can you afford to pay for Water? Can you afford to run the risk of poison- ing your customers and ruining your business with these Cuear Soaps? Williams’ Soap may cost a little more per pound — fWrining: But it ’s ALL Soap— PURE Soap—Safe Soap— } soma: tecn imeanee who has been investigat- ing the subject, states: — “A large part of the so “cathe “aap The proprietor of the luditorinm Hotel Iarter” Shp, at And by far the cheapest in the end. Chicago, says: DONT CHEAT YOURSELF! Don’t let these “so-called” Cheap Soaps, cheat you! Give your customers their money’s worth! Give them WILLIAMS’ SOAP. LONDON: 64 Great Russell Street, W. C. THE J. B. WILLIAMS CO., Glastonbury, Ct, U.S. A.