Judge — September 26, 1908 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon depicts a German military officer (identifiable by the spiked Prussian helmet) presenting an elephant labeled "BELGICA" (Belgium) to what appears to be a circus or showman context. The officer holds price tags reading "WITH BENT COLLAR" and "BENT DOCTOR." The satire references Germany's violation of Belgian neutrality during World War I. The elephant—representing Belgium—is portrayed as a captured prize or commodity being displayed, suggesting Belgium has been conquered and is now under German control. The "imitation" reference in the title likely mocks Germany's claims or justifications for the invasion, implying their explanations were false pretenses masking territorial ambition. The cartoon criticizes German imperialism and Belgium's helpless victimization.