Judge — October 12, 1889 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes American indifference toward civic duty, likely regarding voting or political participation. An Uncle Sam figure (identifiable by his top hat and patriotic bearing) holds what appears to be an "Exhibit" or ballot, offering it to two women representing American states or territories—one labeled "St. Louis" and another appearing to be associated with a city or region. The women seem uninterested or reluctant. The satire criticizes public apathy: Uncle Sam suggests giving political power or voting rights to "one of you" instead, implying that if citizens won't engage responsibly, perhaps they don't deserve these rights. The decorative, forested setting frames this as a natural American scene, emphasizing that this is fundamentally an American problem. The cartoon likely advocates for greater civic engagement.