Judge, 1918-12-28 · page 14 of 33
Judge — December 28, 1918 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains multiple brief satirical jokes typical of early 20th-century American humor: **"Uncle Sam's Bit"** jokes about war profiteering—a doctor charges an exorbitant surgical fee, justifying it because the government will claim two-thirds as taxes, satirizing how WWI created financial windfalls for some professionals. **"Still In Darkness"** mocks Socialists, suggesting they lack enlightenment or awareness of reality—a common conservative jab at Socialist ideology. **"An Optical Illusion"** puns on "Bella Donna" (belladonna), a plant that dilates pupils. Children's pupils appear enlarged because their teacher has this name—a visual joke playing on the chemical effects of the plant extract. Other jokes address genteel social anxieties: tipping etiquette, romantic propriety, spousal dynamics, and domestic expectations. The humor relies on period-specific concerns about class, gender roles, and social propriety rather than current political events.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
All Embracing * QHE is a lovely girl with- \ out doubt, but isn’t she | rather prim and pious?” “Rather. When I make love to her, I feel as if 1 were kissing the Society for Christian Endeavor.” Painful Parting Briggs—When I go into a restau these days I never can make up my mind how much to give the waiter L asa tip, hie Griggs—Why, isn'tten per | cent, the usual rule? “T believe so. But I hate to turn over so much cash to a total stranger?” her did lik Conversation Jones—I thought you intended getting rid of Mrs. Brown in such a hurry. Mrs. Jones—Huh, bow could I when she interrupted me every five minutes? Good Shot Howell—When Millie returned Willie’s engagement ring he at once presented it to Tillie! Powell—A case of killing two birds with one stone! Drawn ty Casox Lownnt Uncle Sam's Bit “TYOCTOR, isn’t that an awful price for an But, my dear sir, remem- ber that the government will get about two-thirds of it.” Addition Romantic Young Husband —What can I add to your sy wie M happiness? boy, Practical Young Wife— ao i More money! Ji? y | At Present Gein Johnny—What kind of hen lays golden eggs? Father—Any kind that s us cullud foiks so conspicerous!” lays at all. Splendid Self Control She (having played a piano number for him)—I am told that you are very fond of good music “Oh, never mind that. Continue your playing.” Still In Darkness “Let’s see! In about what year was it that Sizzler first saw the light of day?” “He has never seen it at all,” replicd old Gaunt N. Grimm. “He is a Socialist.” Ay Opticat ItLusion are the pupils so enlarged?” the superintendent, one fair morning, asked the children of the school at Owatonna “It is our teacher's fault,” they said. “Her name is Bella Donna.” comicbooks.com