A complete issue · 16 pages · 1909
Judge — June 12, 1909
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, June 12, 1909 This cartoon depicts a small dog being stepped on or kicked by a person wearing striped pants labeled "TARIFF." The title "OH! HOW IT HURTS" conveys the dog's suffering. This is likely political satire about the tariff controversy of 1909. The dog probably represents American consumers or small businesses being harmed by tariff policies—the "foot" of protective tariffs crushing them. The striped pants suggest governmental authority or policy implementation. The artist (signed "FLOHR") uses the vulnerable dog as a sympathetic figure to critique how tariff legislation causes real economic pain to ordinary Americans, a common theme in early 20th-century progressive political cartoons.
# "Going Up" Cartoon Analysis This cartoon satirizes wealth inequality and class dynamics in early 20th-century America. The image depicts an elevator operator (in uniform) speaking to a well-dressed gentleman, saying "Say, hub? I asked you to let me down, but you're going up instead." The joke plays on double meaning: the operator literally cannot lower the elevator, but the phrase also suggests the wealthy passenger is socially "going up" while the working-class operator remains stuck. The satirical point critiques how wealthy people ignore workers' requests or concerns—the operator's plea is dismissed because their social station doesn't matter to those above them. This reflects Judge magazine's typical commentary on labor relations and class stratification of the era.
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Page **Top Cartoon - "Tumbo Teddy's Wild East":** This appears to be satirizing Theodore Roosevelt's famous "Wild West" persona and showmanship. The cartoon depicts a circus-like "Wild Africa Show" with various animals and performers, suggesting Roosevelt's theatrical approach to hunting and adventure exhibitions. The title's play on "Wild West" mocks his carefully curated public image. **Middle Section - "Real Source of Profit":** A story about a street musician earning money playing piano. The judge questions how he profits, discovering he makes money from neighbors paying him to *stop* playing—satirizing terrible street musicians and the economics of noise pollution. **Bottom Cartoons:** Include a poetry section ("June") and what appears to be a nature or animal-related illustration unrelated to political commentary.
