Judge — December 26, 1908 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine, December 26, 1908 This two-panel cartoon compares prosperity in 1908 versus 1907, using Christmas trees as metaphor. The **left panel ("Tree of 1908")** shows a flourishing tree laden with ornaments labeled "New Business," "Dividends," "Prosperity," and other positive economic indicators, decorated with figures enjoying abundance. The **right panel ("Tree of 1907")** depicts a bare, dead tree bearing labels for "No Work," "Busted," "Panic," "Hard Times," and "Distrust." It's barren and desolate. The caption "Oh, What a Difference!" emphasizes the stark contrast. This reflects the **1907 financial panic and subsequent recovery**, celebrating 1908's economic improvement. The cartoon presents an optimistic view of American economic conditions as the year ends.