Judge — February 12, 1898 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "Has He the Nerve?" (Judge, February 12, 1898) This cartoon depicts three caricatured figures emerging from a "Republican Machine" box labeled "spoils," surrounding a central standing figure. The standing figure holds a sword labeled "Go West" and appears conflicted—hand to chin in contemplation. The caption references Platt and Croker (New York political bosses) and Governor Black, suggesting the cartoon addresses New York Republican Party internal conflict over westward political direction or strategy. The "nerve" referenced in the title likely questions whether a Republican leader has the courage to defy the political machine's established spoils system and pursue an independent course. The caricatured figures represent party establishment opposition to reform or change. The cartoon critiques machine politics and factional Republican disputes during the 1898 period.