Judge, 1919-11-15 · page 19 of 36
Judge — November 15, 1919 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes American politics circa 1919, featuring several short cynical jokes about politicians' hypocrisy and corruption: **"An Obsolete Demonstration"**: A senator admits that performing manual labor to appear relatable to voters backfired—constituents questioned why he was avoiding wage-paying work. **"As Far as He Got"**: A politician seeking office only cares about the salary and a desk, not understanding actual responsibilities. **"Literary Precision"**: Senator Sorghum (a recurring satirical character) files away insults to use against opponents later—suggesting political revenge rather than principle. **"A Safe System"**: The politician admits mistakes but claims his staff of stenographers and political operatives protect him from accountability. **"Looking for Bids"**: Denying electoral bribery while implying he converted an election into an auction—a direct accusation of vote-selling. The cartoon "Speedy Gratification" shows wealthy people enjoying a motor-car ride, likely contrasting leisure with the political corruption detailed above. The satire targets voter manipulation, self-serving ambition, and systemic corruption in early 20th-century American politics.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
He Heard Men Growling -il ici le jardin d’acclimatation —Le Péle Méle (Paris) An Obsolete Demonstration—"I used to get out on the farm and work to show my constituents I was a_horny- nded son of toil,” remarked Ser ir The last time I tried it a of my best. voters came nd wanted to know what I putting in all those hours nd trying to avoid paying wages."—Iashington Star. As Far as He Got—“Docs that friend of ours think he understands the duties of the office to which he vintment ?” don't believe he has taken that the matter into consideration king about was a salary, place to sit during. the ‘ashington Star. in that stuff as r T owe my suc tentous — frown.” —Louis: Journal. ry Precision—“Are you going y attention to these epithets hurled at you?” answered Senator Sor- “I'm having them all carefully ghum, copied and filed away may need m when it comes my turn to call names."—IVashington Star. A Safe System—“Of course, yc have made some mistakes in your ca reer.” “I have a large corps zraphers, clerks and_ political lieutenants whose chief business it is Looking for Bids—“Did you ever use money in an election?” “No,” sa Senator Sorghum, “I have been accused of it, but I have 11-15-19) always founc hint atom to sell ge Habian salido & dar n you began to with a_ vote tirely off the election and wanted to turn it into an auction.”—IVashington Star. Feminine Weapon—"Do you sup- pose the suffragists will ‘knife’ any of party leaders when they get the asked the old-fashioned politi- sir?” Mr. Dub waite, hardly think so, but I've heard several belligerent ladies say they ah for certain. statesmen oppose the ratification of the suf- frage amendment."—Birmingham Age- Merald. Fickle Applause—“Did your speech get prolonged applaus: “ said Senator is much as the ed at t orghum: “al- orchestra he same Speedy Gratification They went out to take a spin in their motor.—Revista Mensual (Madrid), »