Judge, 1889-01-12 · page 1 of 16
Judge — January 12, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes Republican leadership struggles during the early Harrison administration. The caption's dialogue—Republican leaders asking "Which one of us do you want to drive the elephant?" with Harrison responding "I'll do all the driving myself"—depicts tension over who controls the party. The elephant represents the Republican Party. Multiple caricatured figures (likely prominent Republicans) crowd atop it, suggesting internal power struggles and competing interests within the GOP leadership. Harrison's assertion that he'll "do all the driving" indicates his determination to lead independently rather than be controlled by party bosses or factions. The satire targets Republican infighting and questions Harrison's ability to manage competing party interests effectively during his presidency.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
VOL.IS NO.378 JANUARY 12 1889. PRICE 10 CENTS. EWTEREO AT THE Post OFrice aT New YORK AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER, Copymiont 1889 By THE JuDoE PuBLisnine Co. HIS OWN BOSS. Rerosticax Leapens—“ Which one of us do you want to drive the Elephant?” Huzawon—‘ Make yourselves easy, Gentlemen. I'll do all the driving myself.”