Judge — May 23, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# The Judge Magazine - May 23, 1885 This page contains a single political cartoon titled "The Union Reverse," drawn by F. Beard. It depicts two military figures on grand stairs: a Union soldier (seated, appearing dejected) and a Confederate officer (standing, in formal dress). The caption quotes the Union soldier telling the Confederate: "I have lost by the triumph of my government, you have gained by the overthrow of yours." The cartoon sarcastically critiques Reconstruction-era politics, suggesting that despite the Union's military victory in the Civil War, former Confederate leaders gained political power or influence in the post-war period—while Union soldiers faced hardship. This reflects late-1880s frustration that Southern Democrats had regained control despite Northern victory.