Judge — April 3, 1886 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon adapts the German folktale of the Pied Piper, using it as political allegory. The rats emerging from holes represent political figures or citizens following a charismatic leader to their doom. The building in the background appears to be a courthouse or government building, and visible text references "INDICTMENT" and mentions of "JARDINE" and "DIE SMARTINE." The figures in top hats are caricatured as rats being led away, suggesting prominent politicians or public figures are being manipulated or corrupted by some "piper"—likely a political leader or influence of the era. The satire critiques how charismatic figures can lead groups blindly toward destruction. Without the specific date and full context, the exact targets remain unclear, but the cartoon uses the classical tale to warn about political manipulation and gullibility.