A complete issue · 16 pages · 1909
Judge — June 19, 1909
# "No Wonder Baby Is Mad" - Judge Magazine, June 19, 1909 This satirical cartoon depicts a chaotic nursery scene where an infant sits atop a tall chair surrounded by animals (cats and rats) engaged in destructive behavior. The baby holds a U.S. Treasury bag labeled "U.S. TREASURY," while various creatures knock over items and create mayhem below. The title "No Wonder Baby Is Mad" suggests the cartoon critiques governmental mismanagement or financial chaos during the Theodore Roosevelt/William Howard Taft era. The infant likely represents either the nation or its economy, while the animals may symbolize corrupt politicians or financial speculators ransacking the treasury. The cartoon satirizes how governmental instability and corruption directly harm the nation's wellbeing, much like unsupervised animals would upset an infant left in their care.
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Page The main cartoon, titled "I'll Make a Clean Job of It," depicts a figure labeled "TAMMANY" (New York's Democratic political machine) as a charlatan or con artist surrounded by cleaning supplies, holding a broom. The figure is surrounded by labels referencing various scandals: "FRAUDS," "GRAFT," "AIRCRAFT," and "CLEAN THE HOUSE!" The accompanying essay "AS TO THE BORE" discusses the Bore (likely the Hudson River Bore—a tidal phenomenon) as a metaphor for persistent, unavoidable nuisances in urban life. The text compares it to subway tunnels and other infrastructure that define city existence. The satire targets Tammany Hall's corruption, suggesting its promises of reform ("clean job") are hollow bluster, mocking the organization's ability to whitewash systemic graft.
# Political Cartoon Analysis **"Why Not?" (Top Cartoon)** This satirical cartoon depicts an immigrant or foreigner (labeled "PENNILESS") at a "TAX BOX" paying "a tax for the right to confetti with our labor & capital in America." The figure collector appears to be an American capitalist extracting payment from newcomers. The satire critiques exploitative taxation or fees imposed on immigrants seeking economic opportunity—suggesting that America charges foreigners for the "privilege" of working and participating in its economy. Industrial smokestacks in the background emphasize capitalist America. **"The Cheetah" (Poem)** A humorous poem mocking the cheetah as an undesirable animal—vain, treacherous, and prone to annoying behavior. It's presented as satirical animal commentary rather than political allegory. The page also contains other unrelated content including "Bridge" and "Aerial Echoes, 1912."
