Judge — June 26, 1897 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Congressional Organ with Only One Reed" This political cartoon satirizes Congress as a malfunctioning musical instrument. A figure (likely representing Congress or a congressman) plays an organ labeled "REED," but the organ produces only one note—suggesting Congress has become monotonous, ineffective, or controlled by a single voice or faction. The "reed" pun references Thomas B. Reed, the powerful Speaker of the House who served multiple terms in the 1890s and was known for dominating Congressional proceedings through controversial parliamentary tactics. The cartoon criticizes how Reed's control reduced Congress to a single-minded instrument serving his will rather than representing diverse viewpoints. The stadium crowd watching implies public awareness of this political dysfunction.