Judge — April 17, 1909 — page 1: what you’re looking at

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# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, April 17, 1909 This political cartoon satirizes President William Howard Taft's campaign promises regarding Republican Party welfare programs. The large figure in formal dress (Taft) is shown with two smaller caricatured figures labeled as "orphans"—likely representing vulnerable constituencies or neglected Republican party obligations. The Capitol Building looms in the background, emphasizing the political context. The caption "HE WILL DO IT" and the subtitle quoting Judge to Taft—"Remember the pledge of the Republican party not to forget these two orphans"—suggests Taft had made campaign promises to support certain groups or policies that critics feared he might abandon. This reflects early criticism of Taft's presidency for potentially abandoning Progressive Republican commitments.