Judge — June 21, 1884 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "The Judge" Political Cartoon, June 21, 1884 This cartoon, titled "O'Dyni Mite Bomb, Esq.," appears to reference Irish-American dynamite threats or anarchist activities of the 1880s. The figure on the left—a caricatured Irishman holding a large dynamite bomb labeled "BOMB"—declares "Yees fellows moight as well give it up. I'm boss now!" while confronting smaller figures at a dock setting. The satire likely mocks Irish immigrants or Irish-American political groups perceived as dangerous radicals. The exaggerated dialect and caricature reflect period anti-Irish prejudices. The "dynamite" reference suggests connection to actual dynamite campaigns by Irish nationalist groups during this era, which American publications often weaponized to portray Irish immigrants as inherent threats to social order and American institutions.