Judge, 1918-12-21 · page 8 of 32
Judge — December 21, 1918 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "An Admirable Arrangement" Analysis This satirical piece by Tom P. Morgan depicts a married couple, Oliver Onken and his wife, who constantly argue about everything—religion, politics, weather—yet remain devoted to each other. The humor lies in the paradox: they're perfectly matched *because* they fight. The four comic panels show Uncle Sam bowing at different points during wartime, with captions explaining his deference: "Because the Fleet Saved Us," "Because She Held Them," "Because He Defeated 'Em," and "Because He Licked Them." The final line states "Uncle Sam Bows Four Times as the War Closes." This appears to be WWI-era commentary using the Onken couple as a metaphor for how America's allies (likely Britain and France, represented as bickering partners) actually strengthen each other through their disagreements. The Uncle Sam panels suggest his respect grows as the allied nations "defeat" enemies together—their constant conflict ironically makes them stronger partners.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
An Admirable Arrangement By Tow P. Morcax Y nephew, Oliver Onken, and his wife are the most congenial couple of my acquaintance,” said the Old Codger. “ Both like to argue— about anything, everything, and nothing; religion, woman’s rights, men’s lefts, the superiority of their ancestors, war, pestilence and famine, the weather yesterday, today, and next week—it all looks good to them. If one takes this side the other at once takes that side, and if the first one swings over to the other side the second one promptly flops to the first side, and away they go, ramping right along, just as well Because He Defeated ’Em content as if each were wrangling for his original con- tention. I have even heard them arguing about the merits of the opposite sides of a bass drum. “Sometimes he outyells her and on other occasions she outscreeches him. She is a superior cook and housewife, and he is an excellent worker and a liberal provider. I believe neither would know what to do or how to get along if the other were taken away, for I am sure they love each other devotedly. Undoubtedly they are the best matched pair I have ever seen.” 4, // Because He Licked Them @ Uscre Saw Bows Four Tmes as THE War Cioses