Judge — May 4, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This May 4, 1889 *Judge* cartoon depicts the transition from the 19th to 20th century. The left figure represents the "Old" century—depicted as a worn, disheveled man in tattered clothes sitting on a bag labeled "Hundred Years"—symbolizing age and exhaustion. The right figure represents the "New" century—a robust, well-dressed gentleman in fine coat and hat, standing confidently amid celebratory pageantry and crowds. The accompanying verse suggests the old century, despite being a "squealer" and troublemaker, will "shine in celebration" and "remain an American"—implying continuity and pride in national heritage despite the old era's flaws. The contrast embodies optimistic Victorian attitudes about modernity and progress replacing the previous century's problems.