Judge — November 5, 1887 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, November 5, 1887 This political cartoon satirizes a **dishonored promissory note** from "The Democratic Party" dated November 1884. The note reads "To Give the People" — referencing Democratic campaign promises. The image shows a portrait (likely of a Democratic leader, though unclear which specific figure) alongside a rejected financial document marked "DISHONORED" with the caption: "This note is dishonored and has gone to protest." The satire suggests the Democratic Party failed to deliver on its 1884 campaign pledges to voters. By depicting broken promises as a literal bounced check, Judge mocks Democratic credibility and competence. This appears connected to the 1884 presidential election and subsequent Democratic governance performance that Republicans found wanting.