Judge — July 5, 1919 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon from *Judge* magazine depicting "Business Man" attempting to leap over two large elephants labeled "Income Tax" and "War Time Prices." The elephants represent major economic obstacles facing American business during what appears to be a World War I-era publication. Additional barriers are visible in the background, including what appears to be a "Prosperity" sign. The caption humorously notes that "six friends will please hold its breath while the band plays 'Hail, Columbia, Happy Land!'" The satire mocks the difficulty businesses faced navigating wartime economic pressures—particularly income taxation and inflation—while politicians optimistically promoted American prosperity. The impossible athletic feat symbolizes the absurdity of expecting commercial success under such constrained conditions.