Judge, 1925-10-17 · page 8 of 42
Judge — October 17, 1925 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "I See By the Papers" Satire Analysis This page satirizes Americans' obsession with income tax returns, a relatively new phenomenon (income tax was reinstated in 1913). The poem mocks how people—supposedly indifferent to politics, crime, and international crises—become genuinely excited only when reading published tax information, using it to identify wealthy acquaintances they can borrow from. The "Situations Wanted" section parodies famous American political figures advertising themselves for side work: Calvin Coolidge (president) doing farm labor, William Howard Taft (former president) performing as a circus performer, and Judge Kenesaw Landis (baseball commissioner) playing semi-pro ball. The joke is that even distinguished public figures need extra income—a jab at either their financial difficulties or America's obsession with money-making. The children's blocks cartoon mocks sensationalist tabloid journalism by suggesting kids should learn to read using block letters spelling out lurid crime scenes—a commentary on tabloids' focus on murders and scandal over substantive news.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
SS AeSAANE \ aneennnnng, ~ S THE FIRST EXTRA “AU about the fall of man!” I See By the Papers care not for the market’s fluctua- tions; I care not for the cables from abroad; I care not if the Bulgar once again is acting vulgar And unsheathing with a scowl his bloody sword. To politics and crime I’m apathetic And scandal in the news my interest spurns, But I find a fascination in the daily publication Of the citizenry’s income tax returns! The fathers of the girls who I am courting— My relatives and friends I’ve scarcely known— When I see their incomes stated I am frankly most elated, For I know whom I can go to for a loan. Oh, you can waste your time with plays and murders— Such things are dull as mortuary urns— And I never fear the morrow, as suc- cessfully I borrow Since they started printing income tax returns! Hugh Wood PHS Pity the poor pedestrian—he never knows where his next automobile is coming from. “XX marks the spot where the body was found.” AZLIE “So's your old can!” TUDGE wil poy $5 for each one printed” Situations Wanted (Lord Birkenhead, English Cabinet Minister, is Augmenting His Income by Writing Publicity Blurbs for a Wireless Company) Hv a few week-ends to spare. Would like work on some con- genial farm. Skilled in the manu- facture of sap buckets. Good hay pitcher. Also excellent electric horse jockey. Want to increase my in- come. Write C. Coolidge, R. F. D., Swampscott, Mass. Hard working sailor would like spare time position on crew of private yacht. Familiar with hitches, knots and splices. Can sing opening chorus of “Pinafore.” Write Wilbur, care of Navy Department, Washington. Fine chance for a circus to secure comic fat man for week-ends. Also can play cornet in band when not working. Sure laugh provoker. W. H. Taft, Washington, D.C. Would like to play ball Saturday afternoons with good semi-pro team in amateur league. Have own glove and bat. Write Judge K. M. Lan- dis, Chicago, Il. Handy man of all work wants spare time job. First-class breaker in of pipes. Also collar model and fiddler. If necessary can compose symphony or song hits. Lots of spare time. Charlie Dawes, Washington, D. C. A new set of blocks so that kiddie may learn to read the tabloid newspapers. comicbooks.com fea whi Ae are ys | FREEBOoS