Judge, 1927-07-16 · page 31 of 40
Judge — July 16, 1927 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This article mocks Prohibition enforcement through a supposed "investigation" led by characters "Boozy Waters" and "Gumshoe Gordon." They visit Washington, D.C. and find a senator drinking beer openly at a bar—supposedly under official investigation. The senator hypocritically claims "Prohibition may be wrong, but right or wrong, my country!" while simultaneously violating the law and accepting a cigar he pockets rather than refuses. The satire's point: Prohibition is not working because even government officials openly flout it. The cartoon title "Eclipse" (showing a figure obscured) likely represents how Prohibition obscures or hides reality. The accompanying restaurant joke reinforces the theme—people deny obvious truths (soup being coffee, alcohol consumption during Prohibition). This reflects Judge magazine's skepticism toward Prohibition's actual effectiveness, a common satirical stance during the 1920s when speakeasies and corruption were widespread despite the constitutional ban.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Eclipse. Is Prohibition Working? (Continued from page 6) circles, so we drove around until we spied a very official circle, then we walked right in and investi- gated. It was just like Senator Goof, of West Virginia, said. “Mr. Waters,” he said, “Prohibi- tion may be wrong, but right or wrong, my country!” And with tears dropping from his eyes into his beer, the fine old statesman turned away from the bar. Mr. Gordon was so impressed he offered the Senator a _ cigar. “Thanks, I never smoke,” the Senator replied modestly, putting the cigar in his pocket. And so with many handshakes we left the capital city. “Good-by and God Bless You,” we cheered above the roar of the propellers, waving our investigating pennants in fare- well. “Good-by,” floated back the beer-laden voice of the old Senator, “and remember Prohibi- tion may be wrong. ” but a passing fleet of Mack trucks drowned out his last tender words. We'll write again from Atlanta. Love and kisses, the cominittee. Boozy Waters, Gumsuoz Gorpon. (Nore—The next report of the committee: “Drinking Through Georgia,” will appear in an early issue.) Bd “T can’t understand,” explained the restaurant manager, “why customers complain. This soup is really excellent.” “They wouldn’t grumble, sir,” replied the waiter, “if the chef would admit it is soup. He says it’s coffee.” — Answers | INSIST ON THIS LABEL You don’t try on underwear before you buy it. The LABEL is your sole assurance of fit, wear, and comfort. That’s why millions of satisfied wearers always insist on the “B. V. D.” red woven label. “B. V.D.” Union Suits, Men’s $1.50, Youths’ 85c. “B. V. D.” Shirts and Drawers, 85c the garment Extra large sizes obtainable at an additional charge The B.V.D. Company, Inc., N. Y. Sole Makers “B.V.D.” Underwear Be Sure to SEE it’s “B. V. D.” 1927. The B. ai Co., Inc. he ver welcome. week-end gift, pig al dd nrc ensuring freshness and careful hand- ling. Dealer inquiries invited. MADE BY REYMER & BROTHERS. INCORPORATE! That Good Pittsburgh Candy’ PITTSEURGH. PA. SINCE 1846: comicbooks.com