Judge — November 21, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is the cover of Judge magazine from November 21, 1885. The cartoon depicts a man in a top hat riding a donkey labeled "ALBANY" toward a derailed locomotive marked "INDEPENDENT." The donkey appears to be pulling or controlling the train wreck, while figures scatter around the damaged engine. The satire likely comments on New York state politics, with Albany representing state government. The "Independent" label suggests this cartoon criticizes how political independence or an independent political movement has been derailed or corrupted by Albany's political machinery. The man steering the donkey symbolizes political manipulation—someone using state political power to wreck an independent political effort. The title "WELL!" suggests ironic commentary on this political outcome.