Judge — November 5, 1881 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon depicts five men in 19th-century dress wielding weapons (swords/daggers), with one figure kneeling. A label reading "ABUSE INK" appears near the bottom, and there's a rat in the lower right corner. The title "'THUR'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW'" suggests ironic commentary on someone being celebrated despite questionable behavior. The weapons and aggressive postures indicate the figures are engaged in conflict or violence. The "ABUSE INK" label likely refers to abusive journalism or inflammatory rhetoric. The rat may represent deception or corruption. Without clearer identification of the specific figures or historical context visible in the image alone, I cannot definitively name which political or social controversy this satirizes, though it clearly mocks powerful figures for conduct the magazine deemed reprehensible.