Judge — May 30, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at

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# "John Bull's Choice" - Judge Magazine, May 30, 1885 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.