Judge — April 23, 1904 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Shoo, Fly! Do'n't Bodder Me!" This April 1904 *Judge* cartoon depicts a caricatured figure labeled "Cleveland" being pestered by a large bee. The figure is dressed formally and appears distressed, swatting at the insect while tumbling backwards. The cartoon likely references Grover Cleveland, whose presidency had recently ended (1897). The bee may represent unwanted political pressure or persistent critics. The phrase "Shoo, Fly! Don't Bodder Me!" was a popular contemporary song, applied here mockingly to suggest Cleveland being hounded or annoyed by some political issue or group he wished to dismiss. Text references "trusts" and "school effusion," suggesting the cartoon critiques Cleveland's position on monopolies or educational policy, though exact details remain unclear without additional context.