Judge, 1902-07-19 · page 10 of 16
Judge — July 19, 1902 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains multiple satirical cartoons targeting different subjects: **"A Scared Solon"** mocks Reconstruction-era Black legislators in Mississippi. The satire depicts a Black state representative so intimidated by his position that he initially refuses to legislate. When finally pressured to act, he proposes gas lighting for rural roads—a mundane measure. A colleague immediately opposes it, suspecting corporate exploitation (the "octopus" reference suggests monopoly concerns). The original legislator panics and withdraws his own bill. The cartoon stereotypes Black politicians as fearful and easily manipulated, reflecting the racist attitudes of the Reconstruction period. **"In Bugville"** appears to be a nature cartoon with anthropomorphic creatures discussing luck. **"As the Steam Roller Went By"** features an Irish immigrant character (indicated by dialect) marveling that his countryman Pat Clancy now owns an automobile after leaving Ireland three years prior. **"At Our Boarding-House"** is a mild joke about a slovenly boarder dropping butter in his coffee, attributing it to helping "the weak." The page reflects Judge's satirical approach to contemporary social and political issues, with particular emphasis on race and immigration.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A NOBLE RESOLVE. TIE big sh of fortune may drop off the honk, And just befure breakfast may “mosey” the cook 5 But howling and shoutjng will not make anew "The various things that grim fate knocks askew. And therefore I'll just make the best of each thing, ‘The which I am oft up against on the wing ; T'll just light my pipe and I'll smoke and I'll smoke, And laugh at defeat as I laugh at a joke, Tl carol and shout, for T dor’t care a fig, And dance on fate's coat-tails a flyaway jig ; I'll jump and be happy and feel through and through I'm reeking with shekels—oh, that’s what I'll do. A SCARED SOLON. N THE old days of reconstruction, when Missis- sippi's affairs of state were partly in the hands of ‘negro legislators, there was one sable solon at the capitol who was so overcome by the dignity of his distinction that he was afraid to do any law-making for his constituents, and they became so indig- IN BUGVILLE. nant at his inactivity or his lack of courage, or both, that they Envious rio—" My! but some folks are born lucky!" sent a committee to notify him to do something or get out and let somebody else take his place who would. This gentle hint brovght action. At the first opportunity on the following day he rose in the house, him to a realizing sense of his duty, and he sent the committee fluttering with the excitement of the occasion, and began. home bearing his solemn assurance that he would take immediate “ Mistah Chai'man,” he said with intense feeling and ill-concealed nervousness, “1 moves yo’, suh, dat de roads be lit wid gas, so’s to keep de ku-klux fum killin’ de po’ niggahs in de rural deestricks, suh.”” Instantly another colored member was on hf feet. He had no fear, and he saw in the bill the cloven foot of some gas-light and coke company or other. “Mistah Chai’man! Mistah Chai’man !" he shouted as he shook his fist at an imaginary octopus, “Tmoves dat dat bill ke immejitly rehabisticated.” The first solon was scared into a cold sweat, and he jumped up with his eyes bulgin, Gus -Dinns me “ Mistah Chai'man,” he said in a hoarse whisper, “ef dat’s so I moves we kill de d— bill WILLIAM J. Lastrtos, NOTHING EXPECTED. Senator Windbagger (with dignity) —* I have nothing to say.” Reporter (cheerily)—" Oh, 1 understand that ; but please state your opinion.” AS THE STEAM ROLLER WENT BY. Briocer Ctancy (fresh imported)—"' Arrah! this be's a gr-reat counthry. Shure, there’s Pat Clancy, phwat only left ‘Connemarrah parish Inree years, an’ now he haa his'own outermobile.” AT OUR BOARDING-HOUSE, Lanotapy—"" Mr. Slopay, are you aware that you dropped some butter in your coffee?” Mr. Storay—'* Yes, Mrs. Jones. | believe in the strong helping the weak, you know.” comicbooks.com