Judge, 1914-12-05 · page 11 of 36
Judge — December 5, 1914 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The top cartoon satirizes military recruitment during wartime (likely WWI era, given the "U.S. Army" recruitment station). It mocks the government's strategy to increase enlistment by offering incentives like choosing one's own captain—absurdly suggesting officers can be elected like democracy, when military hierarchy demands strict authority. The lower section, "Why People Give Christmas Presents," is social satire exposing the hypocrisy of gift-giving. The quoted vignettes reveal that people give unwanted presents not from generosity but from obligation: to obligate reciprocal gifts, curry favor with employers for raises, court wealthy relatives for inheritance, maintain social standing, or avoid social consequences (freezing without the janitor's goodwill). The final quote about giving a "messy old pitcher" to Mrs. Wurst-Tayste "to pay her back" for last year's "horrid painting" explicitly acknowledges Christmas gifts as transactional social warfare rather than expressions of authentic affection.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
MED Youn NTHE Aarts onud! ND 40. EXCELLENT IN- SDUCEMENTS FOR A Coop AAIME. ENJOY THREE a INCLE SAM YEARS AT UNCLE ZEXPENSE. CHOOSE YOUN Own CAPTAIN AND COU eerrHKe MARRIES PT Why People Give Christmas Presents «sJPOHN, we haven't any earthly use for this gaudy vase. We'll just give it to Aunt Susan."’ “T hate to do it, but I'll simply have to give Mrs. Climber- leigh something. She gave me that picture last year."" “iL have to chip inon a present for the boss, Marie. I must have that raise the of the year.” “Charlie, dear, we must get up something for the Slumtown Relief Fund. Charity is going to be quite the thing in our set this season.’” “Uncle Thomas Gotwroxxe is getting very old and will be disposing of his property soon, Ernestine. We must re- member him without fail.’” “I'll have to come across with the janitor, Kate. We don’t wish to freeze this winter."’ “T think I'll give Thompson a dozen neckt Maybe he'll accept the hint to spruce up.”’ “We'll give this messy old piteher ————————— ALL THE LATEST 4 DANCES TAUCHT BYATTRACTIVE DRILL MASTERS tise tL Z DANCE HALL OME IN AND GET ACQUAINTED) N SUGGESTION FOR INCREASING THE STANDING ARMY care HOW SANTA CAME TO JOHNNIE Little Johnnie being awakened by a soft, hissing sound, discovers Santa Claus right in the act of entering. to Mrs. Wurst-Tayste, just to pay her back for that horrid painting she gave us last Christmas."’ Stuart B. Stone The Christmas Spirit A LITTLE sprig of mistletoe, A little wreath of holly! Is any joy of wisdom’s gift As good as love's frank folly? Though meager fare was ours to-day, With less to-morrow, maybe, We must not lack the Christmas cheer And a toy or two for baby! Green holly and bright mistletoe! Oh, when I kiss your lips, dear, I would not trade your wealth of love For all earth’s treasure ships, dear! If in the world are happier hearts, Oh, blest, indeed, must they be! The mistletoe for you and me, And a toy or. two for baby! —Stokely 8. Bisher Up Against It Crawford—Do your country cousins send you anything at Christmas to re- member them by? Crabshaw—I should say they did! It’s generally a telegram, saying they’re going to spend the holidays with us, comicbooks.com