Judge, 1919-04-05 · page 12 of 32
Judge — April 5, 1919 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis for Modern Readers This page from *Judge* magazine satirizes **Prohibition**, the constitutional ban on alcohol (1920-1933). The cartoon depicts soldiers departing for WWI, with the caption referencing destinations like New York and Paris—likely commenting on American involvement in the war. The poetry "Dry Country 'Tis of Thee" is the main satire: a parody of "America" that laments Prohibition's arrival. The author mourns that his fathers "died" before the "dry" era, sardonically praising their escape from a nation now "closed" to alcohol production ("stills"). The final poem mocks a wealthy couple ("Richquick") building a house while hiring an incompetent builder—likely social commentary on the era's nouveau riche. The humor relies on readers' frustration with Prohibition, presenting it as absurd governmental overreach that contradicts American freedom.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Drawa by Costes 1. Gane “So long, old chap—if you're ever | " The Charm of Aversion By Benjamin De Cassenes N° being can be called wholesome, sane or normal who has not his arsenal of dislikes. There is a strange charm in meeting a man you have a strong aversion for. There are thousands of people who go to restau- rants they “heartily hate.” And there are actually people who marry one another because they do not understand each other. It is the charm of aversion. It keeps us alive and salty. Dry Country ’Tis of Thee By Mavnice Swerzer RY country ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing. Ere Prohibition’s tide Swept o’er the Nation wide, Luck’ly my fathers died; They had their fling. My native country, thee, Dry as a saddle-tre Thy name I pra Closed are thy many stills; Soon must I seek the rills When thirst my larynx drills, My tongue ablaze. New York, London, fs me up.” Rome, Let Prohibition breeze— Once but a party wheeze— Go to it strong! Let every smoker quake— Or his tobacco shake— Down with the dance! awake! Push it along! Jupiter Pluvius, Parched as Vesuvius Am I, O King! After July the first If I am ever cursed With an old-fashioned thirst, No more I'll sing! Lines Willis—What is the secret of business success? Gillis—A line of goods, a line of credit and a line of talk. Walk vs. Run Unde Ezra—The leading lady at that opery-house says she had a New York run. Uncle Eben—I don't doubt it. She's got a Bowery walk. Proper Person Mrs. Richquick—We must build a bungalow. Mr. Richquick—You're right; and we'll hire the greatest bungler in town to build it, too. comicbooks.com