Judge — May 3, 1890 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon mocks former President Grover Cleveland's weight gain after leaving office. The caption, attributed to newspaper editor C.A. Dana, reports Cleveland consulting a specialist about gaining twenty-five pounds monthly. The cartoon depicts Cleveland as a large porcupine or spiky creature being prodded by Democratic Party figures with bayonets and poles—suggesting internal party conflict over his physical condition or, more likely, his post-presidential role and influence. The "row" (quarrel) appears to reference Democratic infighting. The satire plays on Cleveland's changed appearance and suggests the party is literally attacking or rejecting him. The visual metaphor conflates his literal weight gain with political weight or liability to the party. This reflects late 19th-century *Judge* magazine's Republican leanings and its mockery of prominent Democrats.