Judge — July 3, 1897 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Inevitable" — Judge Magazine, July 3, 1897 This political cartoon satirizes the inevitable consequences of neglect. The title "(After a Well-Known Picture)" references a famous artistic work being parodied here. The scene depicts "Nurse McKinley" (President William McKinley) with children representing various political interests or territories. The nurse's quote—"Now, children, don't hinder me; you might as well come first as last, for you have got to be washed"—suggests McKinley must eventually deal with pressing issues he's trying to avoid or delay. The cartoon likely critiques McKinley's administration for postponing necessary political action, implying that avoidance only delays inevitable confrontation with these problems. The allegorical children represent competing demands or unresolved matters requiring presidential attention.