Judge — January 1, 1927 — page 14: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts an elderly, gaunt judge in formal robes handing something to a cherubic baby labeled "1927." The baby carries a flag marked "1927." The caption "First To-Day!" suggests this represents New Year's Day or the first day of 1927. The satire appears to comment on the transfer of responsibility or expectations from the old year to the new one. The judge's skeletal appearance and stern demeanor contrast with the innocent baby, suggesting the outgoing year was harsh or burdensome. By showing an official judge presiding over this transition, the cartoonist likely critiques legal or governmental conditions of 1926, sardonically "handing off" problems to the fresh year ahead with little optimism for improvement.