Judge — January 9, 1897 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes corruption in President McKinley's administration through multiple cartoons depicting various officials seeking positions or defending questionable actions. **Key targets include:** - A "Gold Democrat" claiming credit for voting twice (likely referencing electoral fraud or family nepotism) - An official defending renovations to the Canton residence (McKinley's home) requiring four years and substantial funds - "Mr. Coleman" promoting agricultural port interests with a "prize squash" photograph (suggesting self-promotion or inflated accomplishments) - "Mr. Levi" defending past positions on budget matters and the national flag (likely a political flip-flopper) The bottom caption, "Don't all speak at once," suggests multiple office-seekers competing for McKinley administration positions. **Overall message:** The cartoons mock the McKinley administration as riddled with self-serving officials, fraudulent claims, wasteful spending, and political opportunism—a scathing critique of Gilded Age corruption and patronage politics.