Judge — November 1, 1884 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon titled "Republican Party—'Look at the History...'" critiquing Republican political history and associations. The image depicts various scenes with labels including "Democracy 1861," "Mormonism," "Jeff" (likely Jefferson Davis, Confederate president), "Free Trade," "Whisky," and "Gin." A barrel labeled "Gin" is shown tipped over, "Supported by Gin." The cartoon appears to argue that the Republican Party's historical record is morally compromised—associating it with alcohol consumption, religious extremism (Mormonism), and Civil War-era division. The jumbled scenes suggest chaotic, disreputable foundations. The "supported by gin" phrase sarcastically implies the party relies on vice rather than principle. This reflects late 19th-century Democratic criticism of Republican credibility and moral authority.