Judge — October 27, 1894 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon uses the biblical allegory of Samson and Delilah to critique labor movements. A muscular man labeled "LABOR" wears a headband marked "LABOR" while sleeping, vulnerable and being shorn of his hair (source of strength) by a woman representing "Delilah." The cartoon suggests that labor leaders are being deceived and weakened by hostile forces—likely capitalist interests or corrupt politicians portrayed as the scheming Delilah. The scattered documents and papers around them appear to reference legislative or contractual matters. The satire warns that organized labor, despite its power, is being manipulated into surrender through deception, losing its strength piece by piece. This reflects Judge magazine's skepticism toward labor activism during the era of labor-capital conflicts in America.