Judge, 1928-03-03 · page 35 of 36
Judge — March 3, 1928 — page 35: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **Texaco motor oil advertisement**, not political satire. The page uses humor to promote Texaco's "Golden" motor oil to car owners. The joke centers on modern automobile convenience: drivers simply press a foot-switch to start their cars without understanding the complex mechanical processes occurring—pistons, gears, cranks, all working automatically. The ad humorously suggests cars have become "nearly fool-proof." However, the satire's point is that while cars are mechanically sophisticated and require minimal driver knowledge, **one thing remains critical and non-negotiable: quality oil**. The ad warns against false economy, arguing that even the best-engineered engine will fail without proper lubrication. The accompanying technical illustrations (crankshaft, pistons, cylinders, valve mechanisms) reinforce that engine complexity demands premium oil protection. The tone is tongue-in-cheek: don't be fooled by your car's apparent simplicity—use Texaco Golden Motor Oil or face mechanical failure.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Little old starting button — foot- switch, that’s all it is—touch it—all serene—yes, but what's going on? The “juice” flashes along the wire — starting motor spins — starting gear takes hold of the fly-wheel— engine turns over—shafts, gears, cranks, rods, pistons all in action— spark at the plug—ignition, thrust IN ALL GRADES and rush—oh, what do we care? They have made our fine cars so nearly fool-proof that we don't need to care—much. One thing no car can do, though—can’'t buy its own oil. And oil is not fool-proof—don’'t fool yourself! The whole admirable and amazingly competent power- plant gets the best oil you can buy, or sooner or later says “how-come.” One fine oil, Texato—Golden; and COLDEN see that you get it, too! MOTOR OIL The Texas Company, 17 Battery Place, New York City. Texaco Petroleum Products comicbooks.com