Judge — August 20, 1887 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Too Many Guides" - Judge Magazine, August 20, 1887 This political cartoon satirizes the "Knight of Labor," a central labor organization of the 1880s. The figure in the center (identifiable by his hat and central position) is surrounded by multiple advisors or guides in a mountainous setting, with the caption quoting him saying "No, thank you; I'll go it alone!" The satire criticizes the labor movement as being hampered by too many competing leaders or factions offering conflicting guidance. The cartoon suggests the Knight of Labor would be better served operating independently rather than following multiple advisors—likely referencing internal divisions within the labor movement during this turbulent organizing period. It's a critique of labor leadership fragmentation.