Judge, 1884-09-20 · page 16 of 16
Judge — September 20, 1884 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon depicts President Grover Cleveland (labeled "Grover the Good") arriving by carriage at what appears to be the White House. However, a policeman redirects him, telling him to go to "political retirement and penitential meditation" instead. The satire criticizes Cleveland's presidency, suggesting he doesn't deserve to enter the White House but rather should retire in disgrace. The caption's reference to "one Maria to another" likely alludes to a personal scandal involving Cleveland—he had faced controversy over an illegitimate child with a woman named Maria Halpin during his earlier career. The cartoon presents Cleveland as morally unfit for office, using the policeman as a voice of public judgment. "The Good" in his nickname appears ironic, mocking his reputation or self-presentation versus the cartoonist's view of his actual conduct.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE JUDGE E fo} 8 an x [o} fo} Q ic E fo} oO FROM ONE MARIA TO ANOTHER. GROVER THE GOOD—“To the White House, please.” A POLICEMAN—“ No; to political retirement and penitential meditation.”