Judge — December 28, 1907 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Wrong New-Year's Caller!" This December 28, 1907 *Judge* cartoon satirizes political corruption during the Progressive Era. The central figure labeled "Widow Bennett's $50,000" represents a bribe or embezzled funds. A monkey-like caricature (likely depicting a corrupt politician or party operative) arrives at a door marked "Miss Democracy," attempting to enter under false pretenses—suggested by the "Approved by Congress" document he holds. The cartoon criticizes how politicians used official approval to legitimize corrupt dealings. The "wrong" caller jokes that corruption disguises itself as legitimate while Democracy's door should remain closed to such visitors. This reflects early 1900s anxieties about governmental malfeasance and the need for reform—central Progressive Era concerns about protecting democratic institutions from backroom dealing.