Judge — November 22, 1890 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a figure labeled "Reed" in a rowboat during rough seas, holding a document marked "MAINE" and appearing distressed or gleeful. The caption reads "THE MAINE-MAST WAS ALL RIGHT. Tommy Reed has a lonely smile all to himself." The cartoon likely references **Thomas Brackett Reed**, Speaker of the House, who advocated for naval expansion and U.S. power projection. "Tommy Reed" appears to be celebrating something related to Maine—possibly a naval issue or political victory in that state. The sinking boat imagery suggests political turbulence or precarious circumstances despite Reed's confidence. Without additional context about specific 1890 Maine political events, the exact satirical target remains somewhat unclear, though it clearly mocks Reed's self-satisfaction during uncertain political waters.