Judge — February 22, 1902 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts several figures fishing in a body of water where fish labeled with what appear to be political or corporate entities are biting. The fishermen—wearing suits and hats suggesting political or business leaders—are positioned along the shore with bare, gnarled trees in a desolate landscape. The satire appears to comment on political corruption or backroom dealing ("fishing" for advantages). The figures' labels and the fish they're catching likely represent specific politicians, corporations, or scandals of the 1902 era, though the text is too unclear to definitively identify them. The overall message suggests powerful figures are opportunistically exploiting situations for personal gain—a common Judge magazine theme critiquing Gilded Age corruption and political machinations.