Judge — December 20, 1890 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *Judge* (December 20, 1890) depicts Santa Claus examining an oversized stocking hung by a fireplace. The stocking is labeled with various social problems: "DISHONESTY," "POVERTY," "DRUNKENNESS," "CRIME," "SPOTS POULTRICES" (likely referring to social ailments), and others. Santa's quote—"I'm a-going to catch on this time!"—suggests he's attempting to address or remedy these societal ills through his annual gift-giving. The cartoon satirizes the notion that charitable acts or government intervention can solve deep-seated social problems. The ironic title "Little Jim's Stocking" references both the Christmas tradition and likely Dickens's *A Christmas Carol*, implying skepticism about whether goodwill alone can cure society's endemic troubles.