Judge — November 1, 1884 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon from *Judge* magazine uses allegorical imagery to critique the Democratic Party's history. Lady Justice (the central robed figure) gestures toward a series of scenes depicting Democratic Party actions, apparently inviting viewers to examine this history before voting. The left panel shows "Andersonville," likely referencing the Confederate prison camp—suggesting Democratic association with the Confederacy or Civil War era. Additional vignettes appear to show other controversial Democratic Party moments, including scenes labeled "Tariff Question." The cartoonist (Hamilton, per signature) employs this "look before you vote" framing to argue that Democratic history contains shameful episodes voters should consider. The tone is clearly Republican attack advertising, using historical incidents to delegitimize the opposition party.