Judge, 1919-06-21 · page 33 of 36
Judge — June 21, 1919 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes a young man named Henry J. Smith's failed attempt to marry Bertha Jones. The "Captain Kid" cartoon (upper left) shows Smith as an absurdly swaggering figure claiming romantic conquest, captioned with boastful language about winning a girl. The page's central content presents Smith's actual petition for marriage approval, followed by brutally dismissive responses from authority figures—his father, his employers Brown & Robinson, his bank, and finally Bertha Jones herself. Each letter denies his claims or request: his bank balance is questioned, his wages ($18/week) are deemed inadequate, and Bertha flatly refuses, even demanding return of gifts he'd given her in 1916-1917. The satire mocks the gap between Smith's self-aggrandizing "Captain Kid" persona and his actual inability to win approval or affection—a commentary on working-class aspiration and romantic delusion in post-WWI America.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
June 21, 1919 What Henry states is true, to the best of I approve his application Mbert Po Smith, father of Henry J “Captain Kid” my knowledge To Brown & Robinson, employers of Henry J Tt is requested that data be | the claim of Henry: J Vo First Natic Henry J. Smith has a well-paying position if S18 a week is considered as such. We retain him only beeau of the scarcity of labor ed that a statement of his bank balance be made and forwarded to Bertha Jones. ludge Art Print Departme: 3. We disapprove Henry J. Smith’s petition To Bertha Jones $3.71 and has not been above Sry in the past fis As a depositor he is a fine tight-rope We disapprove his request and favor closing (Signed) First National Bank Send Ne Money abl, Kat to your homer Your petition is disapproved Your claims in paragraph 2 4 the indorsements, and the request in ‘paid ‘ove, Tell us which of the ontid jentreted above Fou wish {lasves" of 5 is therefore denied enclosing the brass wrist watch and the tin pendant you gave me as Christmas gifts in 1916 and 1017 respectively (Signed) Bertha Jones Don’t Wear a Truss Binds and draws the together as you would a brokea limb. No Durable, cheap. Sent on trial to prove U Catalog and measure nd name and address today Brooks Appliance Co..409A State St..Marsh Has automatic Air Cushioas. Let a wounded soldier read this copy of Judge when you've finished reading it. The Army authorities tell us they can’t begin to supply the soldier-de- mand, especially in the hospitals, for yood pesiod enough Judges to go ‘round. Simply place a tc cover and drop in. the Uncle Sam will do the rest nearest mail (ene cen ene “MADE AT KEY WEST Before going out see that your white kid gloves and your white kid shoes are clean. You can clean them easily with CARPQNA Cleaning Fluid Cannot Burn or Explode 15¢e—25e—S0e bottles At all druggists Carbone ProduetsCo. 302 W. 2éth St., N.Y.