Judge, 1916-06-17 · page 7 of 28
Judge — June 17, 1916 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains primarily **humorous short pieces and light satire** rather than political cartoons. The main cartoon shows a grandmother who recently rode in an automobile for the first time, worried she left her knitting in the car—a joke about elderly people adapting to new technology. The text pieces mock **social pretension and hypocrisy**. "With Simple Things" satirizes wealthy people who claim modesty while listing luxuries (Fifth Avenue flats, yachts, opera boxes). "Defining Them Properly" inverts the meanings of "optimist" and "pessimist" to criticize people's false social performances. Other pieces include wordplay jokes: a professor's student misses the "handwriting on the wall" biblical reference; a young man's romantic excuse to his girlfriend. The **Weather Bureau** comic shows standard meteorological symbols. Overall, this reflects **1920s-era satirical humor** targeting upper-class affectation and the gap between stated values and actual behavior—common Judge magazine territory. The humor relies on social observation rather than political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
* Grandma (who has been for an auto ride)--There! I believe I left my ball o’ yarn in th’ machine! Defining Them Properly HE OPTIMIST—One who is constantly losing all the breaks and is sour enough to bite at everyone he meets, but realizes that to manifest his true feelings would be a serious diplo- matic blunder. Thus he puts on a false front and gets away with it, for the sole purpose of fooling his enemies, whom he hates. The Pessimist— One who gets about everything he wants in this life and is en- tirely satisfied with himself and all things else. He deems it the better policy, how- ever, to keep his natural exuberance cov- ered up, thus avoiding financial touches from less fortunate friends, and likewise safe- guarding against the attacks of women acquaintances, whose chief ambition is to marry an optimist. On the Contrary gotistical Author—Of course you are familiar with my books. Clubman—On the contrary. I have only a nodding acquaintance. With Simple Things ITH simple things I’m satisfied— Upon the Drive a cosy flat; (Fifth Avenue betokens pride, And I have got no use for that!) A single motor-car; (for one Is quite enough, Iet me explain; ‘Though some folks seem to think it fun A half a dozen to maintain!) Seats at the opera; (a box Is ostentatious, you'll agree; Not for the music come the flocks, But gowns and gems instead to sce!) In summer-time Bar Harbor’s not So bad. (Smart Newport I deride!) A horse or two; of course a yacht. (With simple things I’m satisfied!) —Harold Susman. Contributory Negligence The Professor—Belshazzar saw the hand- writing on the wall. The Congenital Idiot—Poor Rube! Why didn’t he take his stenographer to the movies? . To the Lady in Lingerie ITTLE NANCY NAROTHROAT, Ina frail petticoat And a sharp nose; The longer she stands, The plainer she grows.—H. IW. Dee. Pacifying Madge—Am I the first girl you ever loved? Ted—No, my dear; but I hope you'll be the last. Ambition is the cosmic urge that sends some of us on the road to wealth, and others to Sing Sing. comicbooks.com