Judge — February 3, 1912 — page 14: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two satirical cartoons mocking social conventions of the era. **"Owner Saw It First"** jokes about umbrella theft. Two characters discuss a shabby umbrella; one notes his "best one was recognized"—implying he deliberately carries a worn umbrella in public to avoid it being stolen, since thieves wouldn't bother with obviously worthless items. The humor targets the prevalence of theft in urban society. **"Proof Positive"** satirizes marriage proposals and class anxiety. A suitor asks a father whether insanity runs in the family after the daughter accepted his proposal. The father's reply—"There must be"—suggests the daughter must be mentally unsound to accept such a proposal, likely implying the suitor is of lower social status or otherwise unsuitable. The cartoon mocks both paternal concern about daughters' marriage choices and the suitor's audacious questioning.