Judge, 1885-05-30 · page 1 of 16
Judge — May 30, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes British Prime Minister William Gladstone's political dilemma. The figure on the left, labeled "Gladstone," stands at the "House of Parliament" holding a sword, offering British honor (symbolized by military vindication) as one option. The figure on the right, labeled "Nelson" (referencing British naval hero Admiral Nelson), tempts him with "cheap beer"—representing a more economical, popular choice with voters. The satire mocks Gladstone's wavering between pursuing an expensive military/imperial policy versus adopting populist economic measures favored by the electorate. "John Bull" (England itself) must choose between national honor through costly conflict or appeasing the public with cheaper goods. The cartoon critiques Gladstone's political inconsistency during this period of imperial tensions.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT NEW YORK AS SECOND CLASS MATTER. COPYRIGHT 188! BY THE JUDGE PUBLISHING CO. Price NEW YORK, MAY GO, 1885. 10 Cents. “JOHN BULL’S CHOICE. GLADSTONE-—“ 1 offer you honor, but with the cost of its vindication; or peace with cheap beer. Take your choice.” comicbooks.com