Judge — January 13, 1883 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The New Mayor of New York" This is a satirical cartoon from *Judge* magazine dated January 18, 1883, celebrating a new New York City mayor (likely Franklin Edson, based on the caption "Good luck to you, Mr. Edson"). The cartoon depicts the incoming mayor as a figure surrounded by symbolic creatures or demons labeled with various municipal problems and vices—appearing to represent corruption, mismanagement, or political obstacles he must navigate. Two top-hatted officials on the right observe the scene, possibly representing the political establishment or outgoing administration. The satire suggests the new mayor faces daunting challenges in cleaning up city governance. The "chorus of citizens" offering good luck is ironic—the cartoon implies the role is nearly impossible given the entrenched problems awaiting him.