Judge — June 21, 1913 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Judge Editorial Page Analysis This page contains two editorial sections criticizing American cultural institutions: **"The Practice of Humor"** defends the *Tribune's* humor column against critics who find jokes lowbrow. The writer argues humor serves a valuable purpose—relaxing people from life's strain—and that even intellectual publications need levity. The crane illustration suggests sophistication. **"Theater Ills"** attacks theatrical managers for abandoning legitimate drama in favor of motion pictures and vulgar "shows," which the author claims have degraded public taste. The managers prioritize profit over artistic integrity, charging inflated prices for low-quality entertainment. Both pieces reflect early 20th-century anxieties about commercialization eroding cultural standards—a recurring *Judge* theme. The "Brief Decisions" aphorisms mock human nature generally.