Judge, 1916-09-30 · page 10 of 28
Judge — September 30, 1916 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Judge* satirizes Jewish immigrant business culture through the characters Markowitz (employer) and Henry (employee). **The main narrative:** Henry receives free theater passes from Markowitz and goes on a date, thinking they cost nothing. However, the "morning mail" reveals consequences: the supplier (Kent and Kantrowitz) who gave passes now won't grant Markowitz his usual 3% discount, and a charity organization similarly exploited his goodwill by sending dance tickets, expecting reciprocal donations. **The satire's point:** Henry's naive joy over "free" entertainment blinds him to business reality—suppliers use passes as leverage to extract concessions. Markowitz must now spend money (three dollars forty cents) to maintain relationships. **The ethnic humor:** The exaggerated Yiddish-inflected dialect ("woith," "ain't," "foist-class") and names target turn-of-the-century Jewish merchants. The bottom cartoon appears unrelated domestic humor. The piece mocks both immigrant business naiveté and the calculating nature of commercial relationships disguised as generosity.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
FAMOUS actor? Ha! Ha! it’s a joke! I'm satisfied to pay all expenses, only get me two good seats for notting for Sadie and m This conversation between Markowitz and Henry took place On the following Monday Max handed on a Thursday morning. Markowitz upon opening a letter marked “personal, Henry a printed slip of paper upon which was written in pencil, “Pass two, Monday night,” upon receipt of which Henry jumped joyfully over to the telephone and after a few moments’ conversation arranged an appointment with Sadie Goldman. Next morning, Henry arrived late in the office. Markowitz did not comment upon his late arrival, but said, “Vu, Henry, how did you like the show? Did you get your money’s worth?” Sure,” replied Henry, rubbing his hands with satisfaction “I got more than my moncy’s woith. It cost me notting——” “It cost notting asked Markowitz with a knowing smile. “You ain’t seen this morning’s mail yet “What do I care for this morning’s mail?” asked Henry, with a far-away look in his eyes. “When a man goes to theatre with orchestra seats like a sport and gentleman with the nicest goil in the woild, what has eyes like diamonds and smiles like sunshine, do you think he gives a care for the morning mail, or the month’s mail, or the whole year’s mail? I tell you them passes was woith a fortune to me! Especially when I think that the whole pleasure cost me only twenty cents carfare and twenty cents for high-class ice-cream sodas it makes me feel so good like —" “But you ain’t seen this morning’s mail,” persisted Markowitz. “Oh, don’t bother me about this morning's mail,” replied Henry, ‘what do I care for mail? For busine This morning’s mail ain’t got notting to do with me.” “Ain't it, though?” retorted just listen to this you Markowitz, ‘Dear friend Markowitz: We hope you enjoyed yourself foist-class in the theatre last night, and trust you will not insist on a reduction of a three per cent LOVE Samantha (exasperated) —Silas. there ye go agai LETTERS discount, as you know our terms are two per cent. off, ten days We shall be pleased to send you another pass any time you request. Your friends, Kent ann Kanxtrowirz.’ Henry, that will cost you three dollars and forty cents. Do you think I can hold them up for an extra per cent. discount, like I did before, if they are so kind to get me passes? What are you looking so frightened for, Henry? Wait—wait! listen to this: Dear Mr. Markowil Enclosed please find two one-dollar tick or the charity dance given by the New York Consumptive Relici League of which Tama member. Trusting that you enjoved your- self last night with the passes I gave my brother for you, I remain, Cordially yours, Faxxte, Kaxtrowttz.’ ” . gettin’ yer sleeve in the gravy! Silas (ditto) —Gosh ding it! That's what I git fer eatin’ with my coat on! comicbooks.