Judge — July 14, 1888 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a large elephant—the Republican Party symbol—rampaging destructively, trampling small human figures beneath its feet. Riders atop the elephant (appearing to be Republican politicians or leaders) gesture wildly, seemingly unable to control the beast. The caption "Broken Loose!" suggests the Republican Party has spiraled beyond its leadership's control. The cartoon critiques Republican mismanagement or internal chaos, portraying the party as a dangerous, uncontrollable force causing collateral damage to ordinary citizens below. The attribution to "Harper's Weekly" indicates Judge is referencing or responding to another publication's political commentary. Without the specific date, the exact historical context remains unclear, though this reflects late-19th or early-20th-century partisan political satire common to the era.