Judge — February 4, 1882 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis This *Judge* magazine cover from February 4, 1882, depicts **Whitelaw Reid** (identifiable by the label "GARFIELD" on the pedestal) defending the memory of President **James A. Garfield**, who was assassinated in 1881. The cartoon shows Reid as a caricatured figure in formal dress, wielding a sword or bayonet to protect a bust of Garfield. The satire appears to mock Reid's public defense of Garfield's legacy—suggesting his efforts are bombastic or theatrical ("great act"). Reid was a prominent journalist and Garfield associate, making him a natural target for satirical commentary during this period of national mourning and political realignment following the assassination. The exaggerated pose and theatrical costume emphasize the satirist's skepticism about Reid's motives or sincerity.