Judge — September 22, 1888 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "End of the Bathing Season" This 1888 Judge cartoon satirizes the uncomfortable end of summer bathing season. Ben Harrison (likely President Benjamin Harrison, based on the era) emerges from the water in Reform Water—a reference to political reform efforts or possibly a specific location. Uncle Sam, depicted as an older bearded man, comments that the "Reform Water is too strong for me. One Term is Enough!" The joke operates on multiple levels: the literal discomfort of cold water ending the bathing season, combined with political commentary. "One term" suggests Uncle Sam's reluctance about Harrison's political agenda or another candidate serving only one presidential term. The cartoon uses the innocent summer bathing scenario to critique contemporary political issues, a typical Judge approach blending social observation with political commentary.