Judge — February 11, 1888 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Judge Magazine Cartoon Analysis - February 11, 1888 This political cartoon satirizes immigration policy debates of the 1880s. The image shows a wealthy employer (top hat, formal dress) addressing workers labeled "Supply and Demand" about restricting immigration. He declares he'll accept "immigrant labor" only as long as it supplies cheap workers—but opposes immigration when it might empower native workers to demand fair wages. The cartoon critiques employer hypocrisy: they welcomed immigrant workers when it benefited them economically, but suddenly advocated restriction when labor became scarce enough to strengthen workers' bargaining power. The caption's quote captures this: employers want immigrants only when controllable and cheap, not when workers gain leverage. This reflects real 1880s tension between business interests and labor advocates over immigration policy.