Judge — September 24, 1892 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes President Grover Cleveland's capitulation to the Tammany Hall political machine in New York. The caption quotes Cleveland: "I am in the hands of my friends," and the explanatory text notes that "Mr. Cleveland has acceded to the demands of the Tammany machine. Tammany will now run the Cleveland campaign in New York state." The three caricatured figures represent Tammany Hall bosses who have effectively taken control of Cleveland's re-election campaign. The cartoon's point is satirical mockery—depicting Cleveland as a helpless captive literally in the grip of corrupt political operatives, suggesting he has surrendered his independence and integrity to machine politicians in exchange for electoral support.