Judge, 1889-06-22 · page 1 of 16
Judge — June 22, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "The Rival Undertakers" This Judge magazine cover from June 22, 1889 depicts a political cartoon titled "The Rival Undertakers," showing two well-dressed men in top hats aboard a hearse drawn by demon-like creatures. The caption asks "Which is to drive the hearse?" The satire likely references a contemporary political rivalry or scandal involving two prominent figures competing for power or control—the "undertakers" metaphor suggesting they're engaged in a grim, destructive competition. The demonic horses pulling the cart imply both competitors are morally corrupt or pursuing dark purposes. Without additional context identifying the specific figures or 1889 political events, the exact targets remain unclear, though the imagery suggests a brutal struggle between ambitious political rivals whose competition threatens public welfare.