Judge — May 30, 1891 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon depicts Lady Justice (or Columbia, representing America) in ornate robes, holding a banner listing U.S. states with their assessed wealth values. She confronts a figure labeled "The Rich 'Ol'" (text is cut off, likely "Old Lady" or similar). The Judge character reproaches this wealthy personification, stating: "I am ashamed of you. The Greatest and Richest, and yet the meanest" (text incomplete). The satire critiques American wealth inequality—specifically, that despite the nation's vast riches (evidenced by the state valuations), the wealthy are morally "mean" or stingy. This likely addresses Gilded Age concerns about wealthy industrialists' insufficient philanthropy or social responsibility, a common Progressive-era critique. The cartoon's point: prosperity without generosity or conscience is shameful.