Judge, 1917-06-09 · page 19 of 28
Judge — June 9, 1917 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **government bond advertisement**, not satire. Published during America's first year in World War I, it promotes the Liberty Loan—a massive Treasury Department fundraising effort to finance the war effort. The Statue of Liberty silhouette symbolizes American democracy under threat. The text frames bond purchases as patriotic duty, arguing that financial contribution equals military sacrifice. Phrases like "the world must be made safe for democracy" (Wilson's actual war justification) and warnings against "autocratic world domination" (Germany) appeal to patriotic obligation. The ad presents bonds as safe investments while *conflating* financial participation with defending freedom itself. For modern readers, this exemplifies WWI-era propaganda: converting economic obligation into moral imperative, suggesting that buying bonds—not combat—represents the citizen's proper wartime role. The page is essentially selling both bonds and patriotism simultaneously.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
June 9, 1917 Liberty Loan Democracy has sounded the call for a mobilization of American Dollars. The right of Americans—the right of all free peoples —to govern their own course of action, and to exercise unmolested their birthright of freedom, has been openly challenged. Never before in the history of the world has its peace and security been so gravely menaced. America has answered in the only way possible, by accepting the gage. She has shown the world that red-blooded Americanism cannot endure the spectacle ofa world overriden by a self-seeking, ruthless autocracy. She is girding herself for the fight for liberty. But it is not alone on the battle fields that wars are They are won in the National Treasuries as well. man power would be useless without won. America’s the supporting force of American dollars. Every true American who loves the traditions to which his country is pledged can do his part towards making victory assured by subscribing to the Liberty Loan. You who make America and make Democracy—this is the measure of your patriotism. You must help to stem the tide of autocratic world domination. This fight is YOUR fight, and all who can must participate in this work. “The world must be made safe for democracy.” Then let democracy vindicate itself. Let every American prove himself entitled to the freedom he en- joys. Show the world what America stands for; assert the principles of right and justice so nobly upheld by our fathers and handed down to us as a priceless ‘heritage. How You Can Serve The Secretary of the Treasury invites subscriptions at par and accrued interest from the people of the United States of America for $2,000,000,000 of the 15-30 Year 3!4 Per Cent Gold Bonds of an issue authorized by act of Congress approved April 24, 1917. AKE every dollar’s worth of these bonds you can possibly carry. stability, there is no sounder investment anywhere. | In return for your money you will hold a high grade tax free income bearing security, backed by the assured. entire resources of the wealthiest nation on earth. b From the standpoint of safety and Your principal is safeguarded and your interest Description of Bonds AMOUNT-$:,000,000,000 dated June 15, 1917. RATE—35°%. INTEREST—Piyable December 15 and June 15. CONVERTIBLE—Into bonds bearing a higher rate of interest if any subsequent issue is made at a higher rate before the termination of the war. EXEMPTIONS. taxes except estate MATURITY—30 years, with option of being redeemed by the Government any time after 15 years. Your chance has come, Americans. Exempt from all Federal, State or local ind inheritance taxes. Take u every fibre, make every sacrifice, to rout DENOMINATIONS—Coupon $50, $100, $500, $1,000. Registered as to principal and interest $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, $50,000, $100,000. SUBSCRIPTIONS—At par will be received until June 15, 1917, subject to right of Secretary to close subscription books at an earlier date. PLACE OF SUBSCRIPTION—Sce your local banker. PAYMENTS— 2% on application. o June 28, 1917. July 30, 1917. 30% August 15, 1917. 30°% August 30, 1917. the battle cry of democracy, and strain orever the enemies of life and liberty. Subscribe to the Liberty Loan to the full limit of your capacity. Liberty Loan Committee 120 Broadway, New York City comicbooks.com