Judge — July 25, 1903 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Grafting Politician's Idea of Washington" This July 1903 *Judge* cartoon satirizes political corruption in Washington. A portly, checkered-suited politician labeled "FOR GRAFT" sits contentedly overlooking the Capitol building. Rather than viewing Washington as the seat of American ideals, the cartoon suggests corrupt politicians see it as a money-making opportunity—literally: dollar signs ($) rain down from the sky toward the Capitol dome. The satirist (likely Cesare Cesari, per the signature) criticizes how grafting (bribery/kickback schemes) had perverted government. The politician's smug expression and comfortable posture emphasize how casually these officials treated their theft from public coffers. This reflects Progressive Era concerns about governmental corruption.