Judge — May 3, 1902 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes **United States Treasurer Leslie M. Shaw** (identifiable by the label and caricature). Shaw is depicted as a vain aristocrat seated in an ornate "Presidential Chair" labeled "1904," surrounded by symbols of office and authority including flags and decorative regalia. The satire mocks Shaw's apparent ambitions for the 1902 presidency, suggesting he has become enamored with the trappings of power and Washington's prestigious institutions since taking office. The quote—"Since I have been in Washington you can't imagine how I have learned to love this kind of chair!"—criticizes his newfound attachment to executive privilege and grandeur. The cartoon implies Shaw is becoming corrupted by position, prioritizing comfort and status over public service.