Judge — March 12, 1898 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts American politicians as prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush, scrambling chaotically to extract wealth. The title suggests politicians treat politics like a gold rush—opportunistically seeking personal enrichment rather than serving the public. Various figures wield pickaxes and shovels amid labels referencing political scandals and issues. Visible text includes references to "Cleveland" (likely President Grover Cleveland) and what appears to be accusations of corruption. The cartoonist (Victor Gillam, per the signature) portrays the political establishment as undignified and self-serving, with politicians portrayed as greedy prospectors fighting over spoils. This reflects late 19th-century public cynicism about political corruption and the spoils system that dominated American politics.