Judge — July 13, 1895 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts Senator Thomas H. Carter (Republican National Committee chairman) being tempted by Mephistopheles (the devil figure), who offers him a document in exchange for his signature. The classical literary reference to Faust—the scholar who sold his soul to the devil—suggests Carter is being portrayed as compromising his principles for political gain or power. The cartoon satirizes Carter's position as party chairman, implying he faces moral temptation in pursuit of political objectives. The "she" referenced in the caption likely refers to political power or electoral victory personified as a woman. The elaborate period setting and classical imagery elevate the satire, treating mundane political dealings as a Faustian bargain worthy of serious moral scrutiny.