A complete issue · 16 pages · 1904
Judge — May 28, 1904
# "The New Make-Up" (Judge, May 28, 1904) This political cartoon satirizes Democratic Party efforts to construct an appealing presidential candidate for the 1904 election. The central figure appears to be a grotesque composite—literally stitched together from various Democratic politicians and party elements, resembling Frankenstein's monster. The caricature wears labels including "FREE SILVER," "QUARANTINE," and "EMINENT RESPECTABILITY," representing conflicting party positions the Democrats were awkwardly trying to reconcile. The smaller figures on the left appear to be Democratic senators or party leaders examining their creation. The satire suggests the Democrats were cynically manufacturing an artificial candidate by combining incompatible positions rather than nominating someone with authentic credentials or consistent principles. The artist mocks this opportunistic approach to candidate-building.
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Page This page contains political commentary and a cartoon. The main editorial discusses Theodore Roosevelt's administration, noting it has been "costly" compared to a Princeton philosopher's views. The text critiques Democratic candidates being artificially promoted and compares them unfavorably to Roosevelt, suggesting they lack genuine qualities. The cartoon at bottom shows a father and son conversation. A man asks another: "Is your son's collegiate education of any practical value?" Response: "Oh, yes. It's cured his mother of bragging about him." This is self-contained social satire about higher education's actual utility—suggesting college produces no practical benefit, merely stopping parents from boasting about their children. The cartoon mocks the pretensions of college education circa the early 20th century.
# "Nervy Nat Wakes Up" - Judge Magazine Comic Strip This six-panel comic strip satirizes a character named "Nervy Nat" and his relationship with money and social climbing. The narrative follows Nat attempting to borrow money from "Certainly Not" (likely a wealthy person), claiming he needs funds for unspecified purposes. When rebuffed, Nat attempts various schemes to obtain money—visiting a book-maker, attempting to manipulate a club officer, and eventually getting into physical altercations. The satire targets working-class social ambition and financial desperation during what appears to be the early 20th century. "Nervy Nat" represents a hustler type constantly pursuing quick money through dubious means. The strip's humor derives from his repeated failures and the physical comedy of his comeuppances, mocking both his scheming nature and his inability to succeed despite persistent effort.
