Judge — August 30, 1884 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon illustrates the phrase "that breaks the camel's back" — meaning a final burden that causes collapse after many prior stresses. The image shows a camel bearing a heavy load, with a figure on the right preparing to add one more item. On the camel's back rides what appears to be a Democratic Party figure (marked with party insignia), suggesting the Democratic Party is already heavily burdened. The pyramids in the background indicate an Egyptian or colonial context, likely referencing imperial or foreign policy matters. The cartoon satirizes how one additional political problem or policy decision would overwhelm an already-stressed political party. Without a specific date visible, the exact political crisis referenced remains unclear, but the message criticizes Democratic Party overextension.