Judge, 1915-02-27 · page 6 of 24
Judge — February 27, 1915 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a sentimental domestic narrative rather than political satire. The story follows Pa Dambly, a poor working-class man whose runaway son Bill unexpectedly sends money from his ranch job out West. **The Plot:** Bill's letter—expressing remorse and promising regular support—lifts Pa's spirits considerably. Ma, meanwhile, has been neglecting home duties for social visits. When Pa receives the money order, he secretly buys himself peanuts (a modest luxury he's gone without for three years) and a gift for ma, arriving home energized and content. **The Satire:** Two cartoons mock fashion and gender: one depicts a maid suggesting a woman wear practical clothing in cold weather while carrying an impractical dress; the other jokes that "this year's styles are certainly tough on the blind"—likely referencing the narrow, revealing slit skirts of the era. The overall piece celebrates working-class virtue, filial redemption, and modest pleasures during economic hardship—reflecting early 1900s American values around family duty and dignity.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
reminded him somewhat perkily that so long as he had to eat spoon vittles anyhow, he was lucky to get good, whole- some mush these hard times. Moreover, she had lately fallen into a way of prolonging her calls Wis and accepting supper invitations, tempted (eh bor. Clearly ma was degenerating; as pa Vy “Y)) smoked, he reflected with mild resent- ment that she was leaving him alone for the third afternoon that week. 9) Unexpectedly the postman stopped at the house and left hima letter. It was with surprise, which increased as he read the inclosure. It was from Bill, the errant younger son, who had run away to be a cowboy. After several years of drifting, he had realized his ambition. = “L know I treated you mean when I run off," he wrote; “but I have not forgot my parents, and I always aimed to ranch, andI send you some money. It is twenty-five dollars for youand ma. I want you should get yourselves each something nice for a present from me, and if I can hold my job, I will soon send money regular.’” A warm glow of happiness and self-respect radiated through Pa Dambly’s apologetic, stiff-jointed little frame. then, after a quick glance at the clock, he put on his coat and hat and started down-town. He reached home, how- ever, in advance of his wife, and seemed to relish his mush and milk more than usual, for there was a light in his faded blue eye, an animation in his gesture, which had long been absent. When ma returned, he listened with ted to mention Bill's letter, The next day, when ma returned from a pleasant call at five o'clock, her spouse was absent. **Was it this afternoon he promised to weed Lawyer Douglas's garden?’’ she wondered, as she poked up the fire, moved the boiler forward and filled the kettle. ‘‘Seems sort by a toothsome meal secured without la- too early for Jim's remittance, and pa viewed the envelope help you when I got a good job, Well, I got one now ona For a moment he sat fingering the precious money order; interest to her spicy neighborhood chronicles; but he omit- of quiet and lonesome here. I guess I'll run in next door A SUGGESTION Maid—It's awfal cold to-night, ma'am. Hadn't you better wear the muff and carry the dress? REJOICING IN VISION ‘This year’s styles are certainly tough on the blind.”” “TL agree with you. and tell Minnie what a sight Mrs. Pur- dy’s new slit skirt is. Pa can easy get his supper if I'm not back in time. Minnie always has hers early, and I think she’s got pork chops to-night."’ Thusshe mused pleasantly, with a smile on her amiable, pink face. Then, looking around, she saw pa coming jauntily down the street, his hat on one side, a bundle under his arm, a little paper bag in his hand. Ashe sprang up the steps, he was munching briskly and cracking a small object between his fingers. “Land sakes!'’ exclaimed ma, open- mouthed. ‘*What you got in that bag, Pa Dambly?"” crowed pa joyously, if a “Ain't had none for three y and I tell you they're good, if it does go a bit rocky at first He laid the larger package on the table, and turn- ing to his wife, stretched his mouth in an ecstatic grin, which displayed two rows of alabaster perfection.