Judge — September 7, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This September 1889 *Judge* cartoon satirizes the growing dominance of malt liquor and beer interests in American commerce and politics. The central figure—a grotesque, corpulent "Malt-King" wearing a crown and royal regalia—sits atop a barrel bearing the British coat of arms, suggesting foreign (specifically British) control of the American beer trade. The figure holds a scepter and raises a goblet triumphantly, while smaller caricatured figures (appearing to represent political or commercial rivals) bow or cower beneath. Signs reference English breweries like "Henry's Lager Beer," indicating concern about foreign brewery monopolies. The satirical point: American politics and commerce are being literally ruled by beer interests and foreign beer magnates, with the monarchy-like imagery suggesting these commercial powers have replaced legitimate government authority.