Judge — April 2, 1887 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a satirical cartoon depicting corruption or scandal at the U.S. Capitol. The central figure is a caricatured man in formal dress with exaggerated features, positioned prominently in front of the Capitol building. Other grotesque figures surround him, suggesting various corrupt or disreputable characters. One figure holds a sign reading "PLEASE KICK ME," implying the central figure deserves public ridicule or punishment. The scattered papers on the ground likely reference documents, legislation, or evidence of wrongdoing. The overall composition suggests commentary on governmental corruption, lobbying, or political misconduct. Without visible date or attribution, the specific scandal remains unclear, but the satirical tone is unmistakable—Judge magazine used exaggerated caricature and visual metaphor to mock what it perceived as governmental malfeasance or ethical failure.