Judge, 1915-10-30 · page 16 of 28
Judge — October 30, 1915 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This allegorical fable compares political leadership styles using animal characters. Mr. Reynard (the fox—traditionally cunning in folklore) represents a scheming politician who wins election through manipulation and political maneuvering while Mr. Leo (the lion) represents an established, dignified leader focused on actual governance rather than campaigning. The satire argues that Reynard's political cunning secured the nomination at primaries, but once in power, his lack of genuine statesmanship becomes apparent. When Leo reappears, Reynard's weakness is exposed—he immediately surrenders the throne, recognizing that mere cunning cannot sustain legitimate authority. The cartoon criticizes politicians who prioritize electoral tactics over actual competence and character. It suggests that genuine leadership requires more than calculated maneuvering; it demands substantial worth and commanding presence. The moral: voters should value proven statesmanship over political cleverness.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
CUNNING VERSUS STATESMANSHIP ERTAIN animals got it into their heads that the lion had been King of Beasts so long that a progressive spirit demanded a new ruler, Mr. Reynard, who possessed the most political cunning, succeeded in securing the nomination at the primaries, and Mr. Leo, being engaged in the affairs of state, took little notice of the activities of Mr. Reynard or his political speeches, trusting in his own substantial worth and usefulness for preferment. The election resulted in Mr. Reynard being chosen King of Beasts in place of King Leo, and after he had been duly in- ducted into office, and while presiding on the throne, making light of his predecessor, Mr. Leo appeared. The very sight of his majestic form and commanding presence filled King Reynard with terror, and his fright and weakness so overcame him that he ran down from the throne and begged Mr. Leo to take his place—all at once recognizing that it required more than cunning to make a king.—R. A. BALLINGER. Comicbooks rol i)