Judge — April 7, 1906 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes hypocrisy in New York State law. The caption explains the contradiction: the state constitution prohibits gambling entirely, yet a legislative statute permits pool-selling (a form of gambling on horse races). The cartoon depicts well-dressed gentlemen and a woman in Victorian-era clothing gathered around what appears to be a gambling operation or casino. Labels visible include "GAMBLING PERMIT" and "ISSUED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE," emphasizing the official sanction of illegal activity. The satire targets lawmakers who created this legal loophole, allowing pool-selling to continue despite constitutional prohibition. The elegant figures suggest corruption among the state's respectable political class. The cartoon critiques the absurdity and moral failure of permitting through statute what the constitution explicitly forbids—a commentary on legislative hypocrisy regarding gambling regulation.