Judge — October 25, 1890 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon satirizes Democratic Party failures during a specific administration (1885-1889, likely Cleveland's first term, and 1890). Two caricatured figures—appearing to represent Democratic leadership or politicians—display a skeletal record labeled "What the Democrats Accomplished" during their administration, which reads "0" (zero accomplishments). The skeleton and empty achievement record mock the Democratic Party's legislative ineffectiveness or failure to deliver on campaign promises. The figures' exaggerated facial features employ period caricature conventions (possibly including ethnic stereotyping typical of 1890s political cartoons). The satirical point: Democrats achieved nothing substantive while in power, making them unworthy of voter support. The partially visible caption references voters needing to choose differently next election.