A complete issue · 16 pages · 1883
Judge — August 4, 1883
# "The Judge" - August 4, 1883 **The Cartoon "Struck":** This political satire depicts Uncle Sam (identifiable by his top hat, shown in the window) addressing two rough-looking men on the street—likely representing labor agitators or telegraph workers. One man holds a child, the other appears angry or confrontational. Uncle Sam warns them to "turn this Telegraph business over to me, boys." The cartoon satirizes labor disputes, probably referencing telegraph operator strikes that were occurring in the 1880s. The satire suggests that private labor conflicts were becoming so disruptive that federal government intervention was necessary. The "struck" title refers to workers striking (protesting), with the implication that such actions threatened essential national infrastructure and required governmental authority to resolve.
# The Judge, Page 2: Satirical Commentary on 1880s America This page contains three distinct satirical pieces: **"The Telegraphic Strike"** argues that telegraph workers' strikes harm the public good. The editorial advocates government ownership of telegraph systems to prevent labor disputes from disrupting national communication—a progressive position for the era. **"A Modern Sampson"** compares Senator Dorsey to the Biblical figure who destroyed his enemies' temple at great personal cost. The satire suggests Dorsey, having been used as a political tool by the Republican Party, may now sabotage the party out of revenge, accepting mutual destruction for vindication. **"Getting Ready for the Race"** mocks Samuel Tilden's presidential ambitions, suggesting his age and frailty make him an unlikely candidate despite lavish support from newspaper editor Watterson. The tortoise-and-hare reference questions whether money alone ensures electoral victory. A brief item on "Criminal Carelessness" condemns pharmacy errors causing deaths from mistaken ingredients—calling for stricter standards in medicine compounding.
