Judge — February 5, 1898 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon by Victor Gillam depicts a military or authority figure (left, with medals and "Honorable Discharge" badge) confronting a group of seated poor people—a man, woman, and children carrying bags labeled "Pension Debt" and similar economic burdens. The figure declares he's "after the rascals behind you," suggesting he pursues those responsible for citizens' financial hardship rather than blaming the poor themselves. The satire critiques how authority figures deflect responsibility: rather than addressing systemic poverty or government mismanagement, they claim to target shadowy culprits "behind" the suffering masses. The cartoon likely comments on post-war pension disputes, government accountability, or class inequality—though the specific historical moment remains unclear without the publication date.