Judge — September 19, 1885 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes an administrative official (left, in top hat) attempting to deceive a cowboy figure (center) through what's labeled a "saw-dust game"—a confidence trick involving deception. The judge figure on the wall suggests judicial authority is being manipulated. The "saw-dust game" appears to reference fraudulent practices within government administration, where officials use sleight-of-hand tactics to conceal wrongdoing while claiming innocence ("an offensive innocent"). The cowboy's skeptical expression suggests he sees through the deception. Though the specific administration and date aren't visible here, the cartoon critiques governmental corruption and the use of smoke-and-mirrors tactics to mislead the public. The signature reads "HAMILTON."