Judge — January 25, 1919 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Judge Magazine Cover, January 25, 1919 This satirical cover depicts an elephant (the Republican Party symbol) trapped in a trash bin labeled "CONGRESS" and "WASTE," with text reading "FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC." The cartoon appears to criticize congressional Republicans as wasteful or obstructive during the post-World War I period. The "safety" caption is ironic—the image suggests Republicans themselves pose a danger requiring containment. The timing (January 1919) places this during debates over the League of Nations treaty and Wilson's peace negotiations, when Republicans opposed aspects of Democratic foreign policy. The cartoon satirizes Republicans as garbage that must be disposed of for public welfare, reflecting the partisan tensions of that era.