The Judge, Vol. 6, No. 143

The Size of the Independent Army (July 12, 1884)

This cover cartoon depicts a parade of Republican "Independent" political figures—dissidents who had broken from the party over patronage and civil service reform issues. They march in mock-military formation with banners and helmets, led by figures identifiable as party rebels. The caption notes sardonically that "this is the third time they have marched around. There is just about nine of them, not ninety thousand." The illustration mocks the Independents as a negligible splinter faction despite their noisy public presence. Judge, the Republican-leaning satirical weekly, used ethnic and partisan caricature to ridicule Democratic rivals and Republican apostates alike during the contentious 1884 election season.