Judge — September 25, 1886 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Saints and Sinners" – Judge, September 25, 1886 This political cartoon critiques **St. John the Prohibitionist**, depicting him as a hypocritical religious figure. The caption quotes him claiming "Verily, I have preached in the Wilderness and profited not!" The central robed figure appears to represent a temperance advocate or prohibitionist preacher. He's surrounded by smaller figures—likely representing "sinners" or the public he's trying to convert—who seem unimpressed or dismissive of his moral crusade. The satire mocks the ineffectiveness of prohibition advocates in 1886, suggesting their wilderness preaching gains no converts. The "Saints and Sinners" title emphasizes the contrast between the self-righteous prohibitionists and ordinary people who reject their message. This reflects ongoing 19th-century debate over alcohol regulation.