Judge, 1913-05-24 · page 9 of 24
Judge — May 24, 1913 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece by Robson Black contrasts three generations of the Smith family across 80 years to critique America's moral and material decay. **The progression:** - 1850: A sea captain bequeaths his son *character*—ships, family honor, physical vigor, integrity - 1913: His descendant (the "steamship king") leaves only *money*—$17 million in stock - 1930: The grandson, inheriting vast wealth, is a dissolute criminal on hunger strike, complaining of boredom while imprisoned **The satire's point:** Wealth without virtue corrupts. Each generation abandons the values that created prosperity. The top image shows a "side car" motorcycle—modern comfort replacing self-reliance. By 1930, abundance has produced a spoiled, lawless heir incapable of meaningful work or character. The cartoon suggests that Depression-era America's problems stem not from poverty but from the wealthy's moral bankruptcy—a common Judge magazine theme during economic crisis.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HINT Have you a side car? If so, fit it up with all the comforts of home, and be independent of the country hotels. The Three Wills I devise and bequeath to my son, John Blank’s garage. Also the portrait of my Smith, one hundred and seventy-two dol- revered grandfather, master of the brig lars, representing my remaining equity Marie. May God have mercy on my soul! in one six-cylindered limousine, now at John Smith, 1980. By ROBSON BLACK IRST, the will of John Smith, sea captain, dated 1850: I devise and bequeath to my only son, John Smith, the brig Marie and sloop Jennie, both of Boston, and whatever balance may be left in the First National Bank after the payment of all my just debts. I likewise bequeath to my son, the said John Smith, an unsullied family record, that he may perpetuate it unto his chil- dren free of offense. I bequeath him a manly physique, tested by many rigors on sea_and land, and fitted to earn him the ~ respect of his fellows and whatever recom- pense his ambition may desire. I bequeath him a clean mind, a courageous and kindly heart, wherewith to pilot the aforesaid physique and add to the sum of the world’s happiness. John Smith, 1850. Second, will of John Smith, Jr., “the Boston steamship king,’’ dated 1913: I devise and bequeath to my only son, John Smith, the sum of seventeen million . dollars, representing two-thirds of the ; : capital stock of the Smith Maritime Cor- ES \y SS SS Poration. John Smith, 1913. een SN S x . Third, will of John Smith, only son of HUNGERING FOR TROUBLE the steamship king, dated 1930: “Say, old chap, I'm sick of doing time, Let's go on a hunger strike,"” comicbooks.com