Judge, 1929-12-28 · page 11 of 37
Judge — December 28, 1929 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis for Modern Readers This page contains two satirical pieces about wealth and materialism in early 20th-century America. **"And Keep the Change"** depicts a wealthy businessman (L.H. Guttenheimer) rudely rejecting a salesman at his door. The joke's twist: the "salesman" is actually the tax assessor trying to thank Guttenheimer—implying the man brags about his possessions (stocks, real estate, art) to everyone *except* the one person who matters: the tax collector. The satire mocks nouveau-riche boastfulness and tax evasion. **The lower cartoon** (titled "Reciprocate! Reciprocate!") shows a car accident with multiple people being thrown about, satirizing reckless driving. The accompanying text argues that zigzagging drivers aren't necessarily drunk—they may be sober drivers *avoiding* intoxicated pedestrians, reversing blame. **The Jewish merchant joke** stereotypes Jewish businessmen as shrewd but incompetent at ventures outside their traditional clothing trade (advertising "Pent Suites" instead of "Penthouses"). All three pieces reflect period attitudes toward wealth, driving safety, and ethnic stereotypes.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
JUDGE ] “So that’s your game, ch? Well, I've got $50,000 in stocks all salted awa Well, then, I'd like to talk about real estate,” said the man getting a word in cdgeways. “T thought I could smell the sed when [first saw you. No. We've just paid for three lots over in St. James’ Parkway and have another apartment—you've probably heard of it—the Clinton Manor? I'll bet there aren't three people in town who know I own that place. And now, young man, good day !" “Bat, Mr. Guttenheimer, Vd like——”" ow, never mind what you'd like. I got no more to “T only wanted to “You wanted to what?” “Iw to thank you. You sce I'm the tax assessor.” —Gexr Corcan Just because a motorist zigzags, it doesn’t necessarily mean he's a drunk- en driver. He may be a sober driver avoiding intoxicated pedestrians. The groom who was kept waiting at the church Did you hear about the Jewish clothing merchant who went into the And Keep the Change real thing in’ paintings worth $85,- real estate business? Well... he had “Is this the L. H. Guttenheimer 000!" . two roof apartinents to rent, and ad- tesidénce2?” asked the weazened little “How about stocks?” put in the — vertised “Two Pent Suites. man with the dilapidated brief case. '™""" es, this is Guttenheimer’s—and ('m Mr. Guttenheime : Co Je Guttenheimer—" came the bomb-like retort from the large man who stood framed in the doorway. Well, Mr. Guttenheimer. could I" No, you can’t. You salesmen make me tired.” “But, sir- “Don't sir me. “But I'm— “Of course you You're the ninth pest that don my front doorbell within the “But, I'd like— “I know you would, but I haven't the time. So don’t unpack your case.” “This, sir, is something entirely dif- ferent. It——" | “Well, young man, you listen to me. | I don’t want t anything. We've got everythin Automobiles?” Two brand-new ones.” Piano?” “Yes, a new baby grand worth $3,000. Twelve Persian rug rooms stacked with furniture, « “Reciprocate! Reciprocate!”