Judge — October 17, 1903 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover (October 17, 1903) This political cartoon satirizes labor union demands for exclusive hiring practices. Uncle Sam sits atop the Capitol building, holding a club and appearing aggressive or domineering. A small figure below holds a banner reading "I DEMAND THAT YOU EMPLOY ONLY MEN THAT I SAY." The caption "THINKS HE'S BIGGER THAN THE OLD MAN" suggests a labor leader or union representative challenging federal authority. The cartoon mocks what Judge viewed as overreaching union power—specifically the demand for closed-shop employment (hiring only union-approved workers). The satire positions Uncle Sam as the legitimate authority being threatened by what appears to be a presumptuous labor organizer attempting to dictate hiring practices, portraying unions as dangerously ambitious and insolent toward government authority.