Judge — June 6, 1908 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes Democratic and Republican party conventions (visible in tent labels in background). The central figure appears to be a donkey—the Democratic Party symbol—wearing judicial robes and a gavel, carrying what looks like a legal document. The donkey is "bound to stick" (per the title), suggesting the Democratic Party is constrained by legal or party obligations. The caption quotes Bryan—likely William Jennings Bryan, the three-time Democratic presidential candidate—saying "I'll ride him or choke him," implying internal party conflict over leadership or direction. The cannon and military imagery suggest political warfare between the parties during the 1908 election cycle. The satire critiques Democratic Party divisions and Bryan's controversial influence.