Judge — March 7, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Judge" - March 7, 1885 This cartoon, titled "INAUGURATED," depicts a political figure literally sitting in an oversized chair with his legs dangling—a visual pun on taking office. The chair's stars suggest a presidential seat. The figure appears small and inadequate for the position, suggesting the satirist's mockery of whoever recently took office. The Capitol building visible in the background confirms this is about a presidential inauguration. The exaggerated scale—the chair towering over the seated figure—conveys skepticism about the new leader's fitness for the job. This was 1885, following Chester Arthur's presidency (1881-1885) and James Cleveland's first inauguration in March 1885. The cartoon likely mocks Cleveland's readiness or qualifications for the presidency.