Judge — January 9, 1909 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a figure in striped clothing and a hat (appearing to be a magician or con artist) using a large magnet to attract coins or money from the pockets of ordinary people below. The magnet is labeled "THE MAGNET," suggesting the satire targets someone or something that deceptively draws wealth from the public. The exact historical reference is unclear from the visible text, but the imagery suggests criticism of financial manipulation, fraud, or exploitative practices—likely targeting a specific politician, businessman, or institution that Judge magazine's readers would have recognized. The striped suit and theatrical presentation suggest a charlatan or swindler preying on everyday citizens. Without clearer OCR text or dating information, the specific target remains uncertain.