Judge, 1889-04-20 · page 1 of 16
Judge — April 20, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes rivalry over control of Washington D.C.'s centennial celebration (commemorating the city's 100th anniversary). Two figures representing New York political factions confront each other on a street decorated with centennial banners. The "400" (New York's wealthy social elite) and the "N.Y. Alderman" (representing common political machine operators) argue about who will "boss" the event. The Alderman boasts he'll "bust up th' whole show" and assert American—not English—dominance. The satire mocks New York's class divisions and political infighting, suggesting both factions want to control the prestigious national celebration. The caricatures use period ethnic stereotyping typical of Judge magazine's satirical style.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
VOL.16 NO.392 APRIL 20.1889. PRICE 10 CENTS. whos, pose —— P WHO WILL BOSS THE WASHINGTON CENTENNIAL? Tue 400 (to N. Y. Alderman)—“ We cawn’t recognize you, don’t you know. You don't belong to our set.” N. Y. Avpenwax—“Thin oi’ll bust up th’ whole show, yez English Ape! O'im as American as youse, Begorra!”