Judge — July 2, 1892 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts Tammany Hall—the powerful Democratic political machine that controlled New York City politics—as a gravedigger literally burying political opponents. The image shows skeletal figures and corpses in a graveyard, with the gravedigger announcing "Tammany—NEXT!" suggesting they eliminate rivals systematically. The cartoon critiques Tammany Hall's ruthless political tactics and corruption. By the early 20th century (Judge's era), Tammany was notorious for patronage, electoral fraud, and suppressing opposition. The grave imagery emphasizes how the organization "killed off" political careers and challenges to its dominance. This reflects public outcry against Tammany's stranglehold on New York politics, which eventually led to reform movements against the organization's power.