Judge — July 31, 1886 — page 1: what you’re looking at

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# Judge Magazine, July 31, 1886 This political cartoon satirizes President Grover Cleveland's handling of Civil War veterans' pensions. The central seated figure appears to be Cleveland, surrounded by three men confronting him about his economical stance. The dialogue bubbles reveal the satire: the left figure claims "I had a substitute" (avoiding military service), while the right states "I fought for my country." Cleveland's response—visible in the caption—dismisses their claims, saying he cannot maintain reputation while supporting pensions, and that soldiers "shouldn't have gone to war." The cartoon criticizes Cleveland for penny-pinching on veteran benefits while accepting excuses from those who avoided service. The scattered pension documents at his feet emphasize the administration's indifference to soldier welfare—a politically unpopular position that damaged his support among veterans.