Judge — November 20, 1886 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts "The Democratic Position on the Labor Question" as predicted for 1888. The two panels appear to show contrasting Democratic stances on labor issues. The top panel shows what seems to be political figures in discussion or debate about labor matters. The bottom panel depicts working-class laborers or the general public, suggesting commentary on the gap between Democratic rhetoric and actual worker conditions. The cartoon's satire likely critiques Democratic inconsistency on labor reform—positioning the party as either indifferent to workers' actual suffering or making empty promises. The "as it will be in 1888" subtitle suggests cynical prediction that Democratic positions would not genuinely improve by that election year. Without clearer identification of specific figures, the exact targets remain unclear, but the overall message criticizes Democratic hypocrisy regarding labor advocacy during the Gilded Age period.