Judge — June 5, 1897 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The page shows a black and white photograph (not a cartoon) of someone operating what appears to be industrial or mechanical equipment with multiple large wheels or gauges. The caption reads "ASPHYXIATED," with text indicating "The business of the country is almost dead line to the escaping noxious gas. Turn it off before it is too late." This appears to be political commentary on industrial or governmental mismanagement during the early 20th century—suggesting that current policies or practices are "suffocating" the nation's business. The image uses the metaphor of asphyxiation from noxious gas to critique whatever the operator represents, likely a political figure or administrative body. However, without clearer OCR text or additional context about Judge magazine's publication date, I cannot identify the specific historical event or figure being satirized.