Judge — March 16, 1901 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Page (March 16, 1901) This page illustrates a story titled "Ali Baba Knickerbocker and the Forty Tammany Thieves." The narrative, shown in both text and accompanying illustration, satirizes **Tammany Hall**—New York City's powerful Democratic political machine—by comparing it to the Arabian Nights tale of Ali Baba and the thieves. The plot involves a servant named Nizam discovering that Ali Baba's master has allowed thieves into his house. The satire equates **Tammany politicians with criminals**, suggesting they've infiltrated city government to plunder resources. The illustration depicts someone discovering jars (presumably containing stolen goods or wealth), with the caption "Wouldn't That Jar Them?" implying exposure would shock the corrupt organization. This reflects early-1900s Progressive Era criticism of urban political corruption.