Judge, 1921-11-19 · page 6 of 36
Judge — November 19, 1921 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "The Overture" by Mark Dyer This satirical piece mocks a woman's self-improvement efforts through cultural refinement—replacing popular novels with serious literature, adding classical music and perfume to her home. The cartoon then shifts to political satire, showing various figures expressing gratitude for different circumstances: avoiding gasoline costs, not riding in "rat traps" (automobiles), living in the United States, getting coal deliveries, and crucially, "that the law can't stop raising from acting naturally" (the final figure appears to be a caricature, likely referencing immigration or labor restrictions). The overall joke satirizes both social climbing and contemporary political anxieties, suggesting that despite pretensions to refinement, certain "natural" behaviors remain unchanged—possibly critiquing nativist sentiment or labor disputes of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Overture By RALPH DYER IRST she removed all the popular novels from the bookcases and replaced them with stand- ard works in sedate bind- ings. Next she wiped the dust from several excel- lent imitations of old masters. Then she ar- ranged a novel by Balzac and a history of economics on the reading table. Opening a desk she se- lected a photograph of a handsome youth and propped it up against the books. Moving quickly to the piano she snatched several sheets of music from the rack. In their place she supplied one of Beetho- ven’s compositions. Finally she picked up a tiny perfume sprinkler and scattered its contents about the room. When she had finished she stood “I'm thankful I don’t have to buy gasoline for that car!” %, “I’m thankful to get even a look at a ton of coal.” Drawn by J. NowMan LyNv. Drakn by GARD “Jiminy, Pop. brought my sling shot?” oO. Ri quite still, surveying the result of her labors with critical eyes. She nodded her head approvingly. A fat, satis- fied smile spread slowly over her fea- tures. She pressed a button in the wall. Her maid appeared. “Madame rang for me?” the girl inquired, politely. “Yes, Hortense.” The fainous Della Robia’s voice was already beginning “Y’m_ thankful I don’t have to ride in one of those rat “T’m thankful I live in the United States.” Ain’t it just our rotten luck that I never to take on tie languid note which had brought it dig. tinction behind the foot. lights. “You may tell the young man from the press that I shall be pleased to give him an interview.” At a Rummage Sale Chairwoman of the Committee — Has anyone seen my light blue golf cape? I laid it aside when Assistant (in charge of second-hand table) —Oh, Mrs. Glidden, I’m 9 sorry! I didn’t know it was yours, I sold it an hour ago. Ulterior Reason Howard—Why are you transfer- ring your love? Don’t you think Mazie’s beauty will last as long as Lucy’s? Jay—Yes, but her father’s supply won't. “Y’m thankful it isn’t any colder!” J: texas Lyn, “['m thankful that the law cant stop raisins from acting natu rally.”