Judge — April 7, 1883 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a ghostly, robed figure (appearing translucent or skeletal) standing before several seated men. The caption identifies this as relating to "President Arthur in subjection," suggesting the ghost represents a deceased president's influence over Chester A. Arthur's administration. The "D" likely refers to President James A. Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881. The cartoon satirizes how Garfield's death and legacy continued to haunt Arthur's presidency—Arthur, his successor, faced pressure from Garfield loyalists and struggled with his own legitimacy as a replacement president. The seated figures appear to be politicians or officials bound by or subjected to this spectral presence, suggesting the dead president's political legacy constrained Arthur's ability to govern independently.