Judge — February 1935 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Judge Magazine Cartoon Analysis This cartoon depicts two men at a dining table in what appears to be a formal interior setting. The older man on the right, wearing glasses and holding papers, addresses a younger man on the left with the caption: "Well, Franklin, I warned you not to monkey with those utilities people!" The satire targets Franklin (likely a character name rather than a specific historical figure, though the context suggests early-to-mid 20th century), who has apparently interfered with utility company operations despite warnings. The "utilities people" reference suggests conflict between a businessman or politician and powerful utility monopolies—a common Progressive Era concern about corporate power and regulation. The cartoon mocks Franklin's naiveté or recklessness in challenging entrenched corporate interests, suggesting such defiance carries serious consequences.