Judge — March 21, 1885 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts chaos and violence in a street scene, with a prominent inset showing what appears to be a political rally or "boom" meeting promising prosperity. The contrast between the promised prosperity (shown in the inset labeled "THE 'BOOM' THEY PROMISED") and the violent street disorder below suggests the cartoon mocks failed political promises of economic success. The street scene shows fighting, theft, and general lawlessness among working-class figures. Shop signs advertising "Hard Times" and "Moonshiner" suggest economic hardship contradicts political rhetoric about business success. The caption "BOOM WE GOT TIC SUCCESS ON BUSINESS" appears sarcastic—claiming politicians delivered prosperity while reality shows social disorder and economic struggle. Without a specific date visible, the exact political figures and context remain unclear, though this appears to critique Gilded Age or Progressive Era political promises about economic booms that didn't materialize for ordinary citizens.