Judge — April 7, 1883 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes political corruption during a major public works project—specifically, a new aqueduct. The title "Scenting a New Job" uses animal imagery to depict politicians and bureaucrats as predatory creatures literally sniffing out opportunities for graft and patronage. The figures labeled with positions like "State Capitol," "County Court House," and "Block Head" appear to represent various government officials and institutions converging on the aqueduct project. Their eager, aggressive postures suggest they're competing to secure lucrative contracts or positions related to this construction. The term "Political Spoilsmen" references the "spoils system"—the practice of awarding government jobs and contracts as political favors rather than through merit. The cartoon criticizes how public infrastructure projects attract corrupt officials seeking personal profit rather than public benefit. The bearded figure at bottom labeled with "Influence" emphasizes how backroom connections, not qualifications, determined who got these jobs.