Judge — November 30, 1895 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cartoon (November 30, 1895) This political cartoon satirizes Democratic Party leadership during the 1895-1896 period. Five caricatured men in formal dress surround a dining table, pulling "long faces" while contemplating a nearly empty plate labeled "GREAT OFFICES OF THE PEOPLE." The caption "THANKSGIVING! Democratic Leaders (pulling long faces)—'The public be d—d!'" suggests the Democrats faced electoral defeat or loss of political power, leaving them unable to distribute patronage jobs ("great offices") to supporters. The scattered cards on the floor reference various states, implying their political losses were nationwide. The cartoon mocks Democratic leaders for caring only about personal political gain rather than serving the public, using the Thanksgiving holiday imagery ironically to emphasize their disappointment and selfishness.