Judge, 1907-01-05 · page 7 of 16
Judge — January 5, 1907 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several satirical pieces reflecting early 20th-century American social concerns: **"A Mere Matter of Money"** mocks wealthy society's casual gambling culture. A hostess demands $200 from an innocent guest for bridge losses, then threatens social ostracism when the guest refuses to pay. The satire targets the hypocrisy of the wealthy elite who frame compulsive gambling as normal social behavior while punishing those who resist. **"The Hotel of 2003"** is futuristic satire predicting reckless wealth and negligence—a hotel clerk matter-of-factly discusses a guest falling from a window, suggesting future society will be morally indifferent to such tragedies. **"Pennib's Great Raise"** satirizes exploitative employment practices. An underpaid bookkeeper ($14/week) demands a raise, threatening to leave. His employer dramatically "grants" him $50/week—but the satire suggests this pittance was always deserved, highlighting employers' calculated stinginess. Minor pieces mock aging suitors, Boston accents, and automobile safety hazards. The cartoons collectively critique Gilded Age excess, economic inequality, and social pretension.
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ney SQW s+ typ ays Awe, SS Gs Ay THE OLD TRITE CONUNDRUM ANSWERED. “Why did the hen cross the road?" * Because she didn't like the auto for a scent.” A MERE MATTER OF MONEY. + WO hundred dollars, please.” ‘The New York drawing-room was crowded with a fashionable throng, on the eve of departure. The hostess, standing near the door- way, addressed her remark to a quiet, innocent-looking lady who was about to pass through, and who now viewed her with astonishment. “Two hundred dollars !" she exclaimed. ** What for?” “That is your loss at bridge for the evening,” said the hostess. + But,” exclaimed her guest, ‘+ 1 had no idea that we were playing for money. Why, I wouldn't do such a thing. What can you mean ?” “You don't suppose for one instant,” said the hostess haughtily, + that we were playing for our health, do you? It is the usual thing.” “But [haven't got the money with me.” Then you can send me a check%Xat once The guest, her sense of justice fully aroused by the imposition practiced upon her, drew herself up proudly. «Lam, as you know, not long a resi- dent here,” she observed. me nothing short of robbery. I refuse to pay this money ? The hostess shrugged her y shoulders meaningly. 14 “Ifyou do,” she replied with a fine, cutting contempt, * thece is no hope for you. From this time forward you will cease to be an honored and respected member of our sacred circle,” tos wassox “Tt seems to Suppose THE HOTEL OF 2003, Clerk —" Mike, are you about through moving those trunks 2” Porter—Yis, sor; in a few minutes. Clerk —* Well, when you've finished stretch the life-net over the front _pave- ment. Mrs. Highup has just telephoned from the top floor that her husband has fallen out of the window.” KNOCK at a hundred doors, one opens ; speak to a hundred hearts, one throbs. The door that opens is a woman's love ; the heart that throbs is a woman's heart. Emet—"' Is Dolly's fiancé very old?" SO AGED! Eoru—" Awfully! Why, folks are beginning to tell him that he doesn't look old."* A STRAPPING YOUTH. NEELING at her tiny feet, Shod in dainty shoes, For a pleasure so complete Who'd a chance refuse? the ice nne admirer nice Strapping on her skates. Careful not te Nor to bruise her heels, Though a fellow freeze his nose Or an ear congeals, Naught can chill his bliss to hold ‘Those wee pedal mates, Though he shivers with the cold Strapping on her skates. NATURAL CONCLUSION. SOYVJHEN did Henpeque get a “Why, he isn't divorced. What made you think so?” “Well, he was talking about the unalloyed satisfaction, at his time of life, of ich her toes, being his own boss.” PENNIB'S GREAT RAISE. +6 MIR. RICHLY,” began Pennib the book-keeper as he ente employer's office on New Year's mornin see why my salary has not been increased this year. “Why—why, hasn’t it, my boy?” nervously asked the head of the firm. “No, sir; it has not,” firmly replied Pennib, you now for some years, and I think you will admit that it would be » difficult matter to fill my place.” + D-don’t leave us, my dear boy !"* + Well, that of course depends entirely upon yourself. want to put the firm out of business when it is doing so well, but 1 ed his **T have called to «Thave been with 1 don’t must consider myself, you know.” “That very true, Mr. Pennib, and we also must consider you. Let me see; your salary is fourteen dollars per week, is it not?” “Yes, sir; only fourteen dollars per week.” «Gracious! what an oversight! Why, worth fifty dollars, and your salary shall at once be increased to that amount, and "—— But just here Pennib’s alarm- went off, and a few hours later, when he tremblingly entered Mr. Richly’s office to ask for an increase of one dollar, he choked up so that he could « good-morning mumble a “and make only a hasty exit. THE BOSTON BABY. HE Boston baby was just beginning to talk, and many of her remarks were unintelligible. Finally even her mother failed to com- prehend and said, “1 do not understand you, dar- ling.” Scornfully, but this time quite distinctly, the baby asked, * Have you no glossary, mother ?” QUITE A DIFFERENCE. +6 P)ID Howard's rich un- cle’s death make much difference in his style of living ?” “Decidedly yes. He changed from hardpan to Panhard.” comicbooks.com