Judge — May 15, 1909 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Circus Trust" - Judge Magazine This page satirizes the "Circus Trust," a consolidation of circus companies that had eliminated competition among rival advertisers. The main editorial argues that unlike other industries investigated for monopolistic practices, the circus merger hasn't drawn Congressional scrutiny—despite using similarly aggressive, unethical advertising tactics. The illustration "Clear the Track" depicts circus wagons and performers clearing debris, satirizing how the monopoly dominates public space. The page also contains miscellaneous humor columns ("Wonder of Wonders," "Fads and Finance," "Baseball Again," "School Days in 1915") typical of Judge's format—brief comedic sketches mocking contemporary social issues and family dynamics. The overall thrust: the Circus Trust exemplifies corporate consolidation that Congress ignores while investigating other industries.