Judge — July 4, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at

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# Analysis of "The Judge" Political Cartoon, July 4, 1885 This cartoon satirizes wealthy New Yorkers' lack of patriotism on Independence Day. The Statue of Liberty (a recent gift from France, dedicated in 1884) confronts three well-dressed figures near a "Weak English Wall," asking if they have "patriotism enough to celebrate your country's birthday." Their response—"Nau... It's not English, y'know"—mocks the pretensions of wealthy Americans who mimicked English fashions and culture, viewing American identity as inferior to British customs. The cartoon criticizes this class for being so Anglophile that they cannot even summon patriotic feeling on the nation's founding day. The crude caricatures and exaggerated clothing emphasize the satire of their affectation and snobbery.