Judge — April 8, 1882 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon criticizes government corruption and selective justice. The title "Spring Openings" uses double meaning: literal spring season alongside metaphorical "openings" — opportunities for crime. The top panel shows the U.S. Indian Reservation being "prepared" for exploitation. The middle panels depict the government providing "unexpected spring opening" to smugglers and criminals through pardons/leniency. A convict in striped clothing receives a pardon "by a person from the Governor," suggesting the governor's office grants clemency to criminals. The bottom panel shows someone being "let out of the bag" — released or freed. The satire suggests the government hypocritically enforces laws selectively, granting pardons to favored criminals while punishing others, and simultaneously exploiting vulnerable populations like Native Americans. The cartoon mocks governmental corruption and favoritism.