Judge — January 23, 1886 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a political cartoon titled "If the Republicans are to Succeed They Must Cast Their Jonah Overboard." The image depicts a large whale labeled "Democratic Party" threatening a boat of Republican figures. One figure stands apart, appearing to be cast overboard or in danger. The caption references a "Democratic Whale" and quotes someone saying they can stomach the "Mugwumps, but Tom Platt is more than I can stomach"—suggesting internal Republican party conflict. **Context**: The cartoon uses the Biblical "Jonah" metaphor (a person whose presence brings bad luck). It appears to criticize Tom Platt, a Republican political figure, as a liability to the party's success. The satire suggests Republicans must remove problematic figures (Platt) to survive political challenges from Democrats, represented as the threatening whale. The exact date and specific historical moment remain unclear without additional context.