Judge — July 26, 1884 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Asking Too Much" - The Judge, July 26, 1884 This political cartoon satirizes what appears to be a labor dispute or veto controversy. A bearded figure (likely representing a political leader or president) carries an enormous burden labeled with various bills and demands, including "THE 12 HOUR BILL VETO" prominently displayed. A man in a top hat—identified by the "WHITE HOUSE" sign, suggesting he represents the sitting president—gestures skeptically at the laden figure. The caption "Asking Too Much: Do you suppose the workingman will carry you?" implies the cartoon criticizes a political figure for placing excessive demands on working-class support. The visual metaphor of the heavy burden suggests the policies or vetoes in question were unpopular with laborers. This likely relates to 1880s disputes over labor legislation and presidential vetoes affecting workers' rights.