Judge — October 3, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a confrontation between a man labeled "SHERIFF" and an angry bull. The caption reads: "Is the bull mad? Yes, the bull is mad. Why is the bull mad? Because he sees a red rag. Is the boy mad? O, no, the boy is glad. Why is the boy glad? Because the bull is mad." The cartoon appears to be social commentary using the bull-and-red-rag metaphor—a common 1880s satirical device representing deliberate provocation. The sheriff figure likely represents law enforcement or authority being antagonized intentionally. Without additional context about specific 1885 events or controversies, the exact target of this satire remains unclear, though it likely comments on contemporary political or social agitation.