Judge — January 21, 1893 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers This *Judge* magazine cover (January 21, 1893) presents a satirical cartoon titled "Only a Cold Murphy." A waiter (identified as "David, the head waiter") presents a grotesque pig's head on a platter to a seated diner, commenting: "You'll find it pretty hard to digest, sir, but you'll have to stomach it!" The cartoon appears to be political satire targeting someone named Murphy—likely a public figure of 1893. The pig's head is a deliberate insult, and the waiter's quip plays on digestive metaphors to suggest Murphy must accept something distasteful or humiliating. Without additional context, the specific political situation remains unclear, but the crude visual mockery and forced consumption imagery indicate harsh criticism of Murphy's position or character.