Judge — November 19, 1892 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1892 *Judge* cartoon depicts a large, menacing cat confronting a small, formally dressed man (identified as "Tammany"). The caption reads: "Now, Grover, how about those promises?" **Context:** This satirizes Tammany Hall, the notoriously corrupt New York Democratic political machine. The "cat" likely represents either a threatening creditor or the consequences of broken campaign pledges. "Grover" refers to President Grover Cleveland, who was elected on reform promises. **The Satire:** The cartoon mocks the gap between campaign rhetoric and actual delivery—suggesting Cleveland faces pressure to fulfill promises, while Tammany Hall (symbolized as a predatory animal) looms as an obstacle or threat. The visual metaphor of a small man confronted by an enormous cat emphasizes Tammany's intimidating political power and the difficulty of genuine reform.