Judge, 1930-03-22 · page 9 of 36
Judge — March 22, 1930 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Page **"Her Way of Writing" (main story):** A man, Tompkins, receives a rejection note from his fiancée Althea that uses extremely polite, euphemistic language to decline returning to him. The joke's punchline: Althea edits a women's magazine, so her rejection letter is deliberately written in the flowery, indirect style typical of women's magazine prose—saying "no" while appearing to leave the door open. The satire mocks both the affected writing conventions of women's publications and the gap between what polite language says versus means. **"No Treat" (humor column):** A series of brief satirical observations about modern life: cruel telephone pranksters, dentist parachutists, soda jerks becoming ship stewards, and Pennsylvania's absurdly high fines for cursing (contrasted with Philadelphia's indifference). These are topical jabs at contemporary social behavior and regional differences. **Top cartoon:** Shows a stock-market speculator ("Hlo! Erie! Dabbling in stocks again!"), likely referencing Erie Railroad stock scandals—a common Judge target reflecting 1920s-30s financial speculation anxieties.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
at re we Or ave ou, tic, be- ole olf en a iil ih ta Her Way of Writing “YVowes don’t always mean what of they say,” I said, by way consolation to ‘Tompkins, who was trying to forget an unrequited love. Thanks,” he answered, “but you aven't seen Althea’s note to me. Here, read it yourself.” And he tossed a scented missive across the table. “Dear Ted,” the note started, “in returning your engagement ring to you tonight, I want you to understand that this does not imply any lack of charm or brillian n your part. I merely regret that it is not possible at this time to accept it from you, I trust that my refusal will not be i terpreted by you as an eviden any lack of regard or esteem, hope I may hear from you now and then in the future.” “Well, did you read Tompkins after a pause. “Ye IT answered, “and I want to tell you that this note absolutely be- t interest in you, an inter- ay very easily be fanned love. If that girl didn’t want to leave the door open, why did she go to such pains to subtly imply——” asked “Wait a minute,” interrupted Tomp- kins. “That note says ‘no’ un:nis- takable terms. ‘I n't a chance. It’s her way of writin “What do you mean—her way of writin “Read it again,” said ‘Tompkins, “and you'll understand. Althea is the editor of a woman's magazine.” —Artucr L, Lippaann JUDGE No Treat The meanest guy in the world is the fellow who cally up a telephone girl just to say hello. And when a dentist jumps from an airplane we suppose he mutters to the parachute, “Open wider, please.” They used to be soda jerkers, but now they're deck-stewards in toasted- sandwich shops. sent-minded ammed for the Then there was the college student who examination. wron In Pennsylvania cursing is punish- able by a fine of 67 cents per word. In Philadelphia it's worth it, comicbooks.com