Judge — September 8, 1883

# "The End of the Telegraph Strike" — Judge Magazine Cartoon This page's main cartoon depicts the resolution of a telegraph operators' strike. The kneeling figure represents the strikers/workers, while the standing man (likely a telegraph company official or manager) appears triumphant, having won the labor dispute. The accompanying text references "From Virginia comes the harrowing report of another secession movement," mentioning W.C. Wickham—a former Republican turned Democrat willing to sacrifice himself for his cause, described sarcastically as "the old, old story." The page also includes lighter satirical pieces: mockery of Oscar Wilde's theatrical performance at Union Square (where he allegedly raised his "bang" hairstyle and smiled meekly when the crowd laughed), commentary on Tennessee's artificial fruit dryers, and humorous observations about barmaids' duties beyond merely pouring drinks—their role in conversation and mild flirtation. The overall tone blends political commentary with social satire typical of Gilded Age humor magazines.

# "The Bet Wasn't Decided" This comic sketch satirizes professional baseball gamblers and bartenders in the 1880s. Two shabby men order whiskey on credit, wagering that Cleveland's baseball team will "shut out" the Mets. When the bartender demands payment, they argue they can't determine who owes the debt until the game is played and the bet is settled. The joke mocks the absurdity of their logic—using an unresolved sports bet as justification for unpaid bar bills. The bartender, recognizing the con, declares himself "acting stakeholder," demands dimes from both men instead, and declares "all bets off!" The satire targets the era's rampant baseball gambling culture and the petty schemes drunken gamblers used to avoid paying debts. References to "Mets" and "Clevelands" are period baseball teams, making this topical humor for contemporary readers following professional baseball rivalries.