Judge — January 28, 1882 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon depicts a large, menacing axe labeled "PROMISE" being wielded by what appears to be a grotesque figure. The caption asks "AN UNSIGHTLY OBJECT—WHO WILL TAKE THE AXE AND HEW IT DOWN?" The image appears to critique political promises—specifically, someone's unfulfilled or broken campaign pledges. The axe as an "unsightly object" suggests these promises have become destructive or embarrassing. The question posed to readers implies that political action is needed to remove or eliminate this problem. Without the publication date visible, the specific politician or promise referenced remains unclear, though the satire generally mocks political rhetoric and the gap between campaign assurances and actual governance.