Judge — October 15, 1887 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes Republican party divisions around 1884. The caption references Cleveland's nomination (likely Grover Cleveland), and the text mentions a "revolt" caused by "Gormanism and Higginism" dominating federal affairs—these appear to be references to rival Republican factions or political machines of the era. The well-dressed men in top hats surrounding a central figure represent party leaders or power brokers engaged in political maneuvering. One figure holds a sign reading "TIGHT MARKET" and references to the "TREASURY," suggesting economic or financial policy disputes. The cartoon critiques how party bosses and competing interests control politics rather than serving the public interest, a common Progressive-era complaint about machine politics and corruption.