A complete issue · 16 pages · 1905
Judge — November 11, 1905
# Judge Magazine - November 11, 1905 **"The Season for Big Game is 'Open'"** This political cartoon depicts a hunter in period military dress confronting what appears to be a large bear, with armed figures visible in the background. The "big game" reference is metaphorical—likely alluding to contemporary political or military conflicts rather than literal hunting. The 1905 date suggests this relates to the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) or its aftermath, as international tensions were high during this period. The cartoon appears to satirize aggressive political or military expansion by depicting it as sport-hunting, suggesting the casual or opportunistic nature of the era's imperial conflicts. The specific political figures or nations referenced are unclear without additional context, though the military imagery indicates commentary on contemporary geopolitical "hunting."
# Judge Magazine Satire Analysis This page from Judge magazine contains several satirical pieces targeting early 20th-century American politics and society. **Main Article:** "Roosevelt the Turning-Point in America's History" praises President Roosevelt's leadership, suggesting he represents a break from America's past struggles (slavery, civil war) toward national unity and progress. **"A Plea for the Gentile Art of Polite Loafing":** This piece satirizes General Jacob Hurd Smith, a military figure known for harsh conduct. It mocks Americans' obsession with constant activity and productivity, arguing that leisurely loafing—once considered gentlemanly—has been forgotten in the rush of modern life. **"Is the World Forgetting How to Laugh?":** This satirizes declining humor and levity in society, blaming newspapers and modern anxieties for suppressing laughter and joy. The cartoons use caricature and ironic commentary typical of Judge's political humor.
# "Likes It Even Above Himself" The main cartoon shows a fashionable couple admiring an automobile, with dialogue revealing the woman's priorities: "Jack says he loves his automobile above everything else" / "Yes; I've noticed he spends most of his time under it." The satire mocks early automobile enthusiasm—specifically, men's obsession with cars at the expense of their relationships. The joke is that while Jack claims to love his wife most, his actions (constantly tinkering under the vehicle) prove otherwise. The dog below seems to understand the irony better than Jack does. This reflects early 1900s anxiety about new technology disrupting traditional domestic life, with the automobile portrayed as a rival for a husband's affection and attention.
