Judge — August 16, 1884 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a Judge magazine satirical cartoon titled "On the Right Road to Washington?" The image depicts a figure in formal 19th-century dress (top hat, vest) standing beside a donkey that's being ridden by what appears to be a judge or authority figure. A small building (possibly representing a courthouse or government structure) sits nearby. The cartoon uses the donkey as a metaphor—likely representing either political stubbornness, the Democratic Party (which used the donkey symbol), or a foolish political direction. The question "on the right road to Washington?" suggests commentary on whether a particular political figure or policy is heading correctly toward the nation's capital. Without additional context or visible dates, the specific political reference remains unclear, but the satire critiques someone's political judgment or path.