Judge — July 18, 1885 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes the relationship between Whitney and Manning (likely political or business figures) and "Boss Thompson's plant." The image shows two men riding an enormous egg or bulbous object labeled "Manning's Patronage," suggesting they're profiting from political favoritism. Below, a caricatured figure (possibly representing opposition or the public) gestures from what appears to be a crowded railway or station, labeled with references to "Boss" Thompson. The caption's demand to "make room for Boss Thompson's plant, or we can't hold on" suggests the cartoon criticizes how political patronage and boss politics are displacing or overwhelming legitimate interests. The satire targets machine politics and the power of political bosses to commandeer public resources for their allies' benefit.