Judge — September 6, 1919 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Stirring Times, These" This political cartoon depicts a domestic scene where a woman gestures forcefully with a broom at a seated man reading near a table, while dogs play on the floor. The caption identifies the man as "Sereno E. Placid," who holds the opinion that "peace is not a matter of Europe merely, nor a state to be brought about by European peace conferences." The satire appears to target complacency about international peace efforts, likely referencing post-WWI peace negotiations. The joke contrasts Placid's detached, philosophical musings about European peace with the immediate domestic turbulence around him—suggesting that peace cannot be achieved through distant diplomatic conferences when chaos exists at home. The woman's aggressive stance with the broom implies domestic discord makes such lofty ideals laughable.