Judge — August 24, 1918 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers This Walter de Maris cartoon from *Judge* magazine depicts a WWI-era military scene. Two soldiers in a dugout (trench shelter) are having a conversation. One soldier urges "Joe" to come into the dugout, warning he'll "get bifed" (hit/struck). Joe responds he'll wait until he can get "this guy in the bleachers that's throwin' pop bottles." The satire appears to reference the contrast between actual combat dangers and petty grievances. "Bleachers" suggests spectators or observers (possibly civilians or journalists watching the war). The joke mocks soldiers prioritizing minor annoyances—being hit with bottles by onlookers—over legitimate military threats. It's satirizing either public behavior during wartime or the absurdity of soldiers' concerns when facing real danger.