Judge — July 5, 1890 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes what the caption calls "the mad act of our crazy Seni[ate]" regarding flood control. The image depicts a classical female allegorical figure (likely representing a waterway, dam, or public resource) sitting amid scattered coins or medallions, looking heavenward in distress. Above her, a group of men in formal dress—apparently senators or politicians—gestures and appears to be arguing or deciding her fate. The satire criticizes the Senate for mishandling flood-related legislation, suggesting their actions are irrational ("mad") and self-serving (the scattered coins imply corruption or financial interests). The allegorical woman's anguished expression emphasizes how their poor judgment harms the public good. Without the publication date visible, the specific flood crisis referenced remains unclear, but the cartoon protests perceived Senate incompetence on infrastructure matters.