Judge — October 7, 1893 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon satirizes Democratic Party politics using a bowling metaphor. A large bowler (appearing to represent a Democratic leader or the party itself) prepares to roll a ball labeled "TARIFF CITATION" down an alley marked "DEMOCRATIC BOWLING-ALLEY," while five well-dressed men (likely representing Democratic politicians or factions) watch nervously. The caption reads: "Just wait and watch this ball!" The satire mocks internal Democratic discord over tariff policy—a major political issue of the era. The cartoon suggests Democratic leaders are gambling recklessly with the "tariff citation" issue, risking party unity. The anxious onlookers represent different Democratic factions worried about where this policy "ball" will land and what damage it might cause to party cohesion.