Judge, 1919-06-14 · page 13 of 36
Judge — June 14, 1919 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "A Casual Companion" - Judge Magazine This is a story illustration rather than a political cartoon. It depicts two American military officers—Lieutenant Whyte (U.S. Marines) and an infantry officer named Bunting—meeting on a train bound for Paris after World War I. The narrative concerns post-war accommodations in Paris, which is overcrowded due to the Peace Congress (likely the Paris Peace Conference of 1919). The illustration's caption jokes about one officer reading "Le Matin" (a French newspaper) during their "desultory conversation." The satire appears gentle: it mocks the officers' difficulty finding lodging in a war-disrupted city and Whyte's unfamiliarity with Paris despite being an American military man. Bunting's offer of help and Whyte's gratitude suggest themes of American servicemen navigating post-war Europe. The story seems designed as light, humorous entertainment for Judge's readers rather than pointed political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
TELLO7# “Bustinc Scannep ‘Le Matin’ at Ixtervats 1n a Desuttory Conversation ” A Casual Companion By J. A. Watpron Mustration by ARDON! But are you bound for Paris?” “Why, then, can’t we share a sleeping com- partment?” “Why not?” Lieutenant Whyte, of the United States Marines, had initiated the colloquy with the only other American officer he had found in thet ‘The respondent wore an overseas cap with blue piping and the crossed rifles insignia on his collar that mark an officer of infantry. “T’m just out of hospital at Vichy,” continued Whyte. hree days’ leave in Paris, and then to the camp at Brest. Whyte’s my name.” “T also have three days’ leave in Paris. Bunting.” They were silent for a minute. “Tm not very well acquainted with the gay city,” My name is LAWRENCE Fettows continued Whyte, “but I know two or three persons there—Americans.” “I'm quite familiar with Paris,” replied Bunting. “Of course one familiar with a city necessarily knows many persons.” “Tm all at sea as to where I shall put up.” “The city is abnormally full just now, with the Peace Congress and all the surplus of war. Accommo- dation at any great hotel is out of the question.” “T assume that.” “But I know a quiet place where I believe accom- modation may be had—if you care to come with me.” “Delight And I shall be under obligation as Whyte’s tone would repay any ordinary kindness. “Please don’t look at it in that light!” “There’s one person in Paris I wish very seriously to see,” said Whyte, in a burst of confidence. comicbooks.com