A complete issue · 16 pages · 1904
Judge — April 23, 1904
# "Shoo, Fly! Do'n't Bodder Me!" This April 1904 *Judge* cartoon depicts a caricatured figure labeled "Cleveland" being pestered by a large bee. The figure is dressed formally and appears distressed, swatting at the insect while tumbling backwards. The cartoon likely references Grover Cleveland, whose presidency had recently ended (1897). The bee may represent unwanted political pressure or persistent critics. The phrase "Shoo, Fly! Don't Bodder Me!" was a popular contemporary song, applied here mockingly to suggest Cleveland being hounded or annoyed by some political issue or group he wished to dismiss. Text references "trusts" and "school effusion," suggesting the cartoon critiques Cleveland's position on monopolies or educational policy, though exact details remain unclear without additional context.
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Page This page contains two distinct elements: **Top Section:** A lengthy political commentary on Grover Cleveland, analyzing his character and political maneuvering. The text suggests Cleveland is being criticized for obscuring facts and using rhetorical manipulation—the author compares his oratory to a juggler's misdirection. The piece questions whether Cleveland genuinely holds the office he seeks or is merely playing a political game. **Bottom Cartoon:** Titled "Distributing the Load," it depicts an organ grinder (Pietro Baccigliefo) pulling a cart while children sit inside. The Italian dialect caption ("Whata matta you, Rosalie?") suggests commentary on immigrant labor or exploitation, likely satirizing how working-class immigrants bore burdens while others benefited. The page critiques both political dishonesty and working-class exploitation.
# Analysis of "Up Against It" This satirical illustration depicts a social scandal involving courtship and class expectations. The caption presents a dialogue between "Ethel" and "Jack" regarding a man named "Bob" who is engaged to Edith. The satire centers on a moral double standard: Ethel questions whether Bob can support Edith "in the style to which she is accustomed," while Jack responds that Bob cannot even support *himself* in that style while courting her. The joke critiques wealthy society's expectations—particularly the assumption that a suitor must maintain an expensive lifestyle to be worthy of an affluent woman. Jack's pointed response exposes the absurdity of these pretensions, suggesting Bob is living beyond his means to appear suitable. The drawing's composition, with multiple fashionably-dressed figures, emphasizes the superficial social world being mocked.
