Judge — November 19, 1910 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains multiple political cartoons mocking American government and society circa early 1900s. **"A Thanksgiving Turkey for Uncle Sam"** ridicules protectionist tariff policies, depicting politicians as vultures fighting over Uncle Sam's resources while adding economic injury. **"Our Thoughtful Government"** satirizes the newly-established postal savings banks system through rural characters, suggesting the government created these banks merely as storage for junk mail rather than as legitimate financial institutions—a critique of government inefficiency and poor policymaking. **"Thanksgiving: A Suggestion for Uncle Sam's Coat of Arms"** proposes replacing the eagle with a shark or predatory creature, implying the U.S. government exploits its own citizens rather than protecting them. The alphabet cartoon parodies educational primers, suggesting someone's spelling reform proposals would absurdly alter fundamental institutions. Overall, Judge presents cynical views of American governance as incompetent, corrupt, and predatory toward ordinary citizens.