Judge — February 12, 1887 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge cartoon satirizes John L. Sullivan, the famous heavyweight boxing champion. The image shows military officers and officials examining or demonstrating a massive 105-ton gun capable of devastating New York City. The caption's wordplay equates Sullivan's fighting power to this destructive weapon—suggesting he's as dangerous and uncontrollable as military ordnance. The partial text mentioning the gun was "used in British Navy" indicates this references actual weapons technology of the era. The satire appears to mock Sullivan's celebrity status and fearsome reputation, treating his boxing prowess as a genuine threat to public safety. The "impunity" reference suggests criticism of his ability to escape consequences, likely referencing legal or social controversies surrounding the boxer during his career.