A complete issue · 16 pages · 1883
Judge — October 6, 1883
# Analysis of "The Judge" Cartoon, October 6, 1883 This political cartoon titled "Our Truant President" depicts Uncle Sam (the tall figure in striped pants and top hat) scolding a smaller caricatured figure labeled as a "truant president." The caption has Uncle Sam saying: "Here, Sir Chet! you have played long enough; come home and do your chores." The satire criticizes a sitting U.S. president for neglecting duties—the "chores" represent presidential responsibilities. The "truant" metaphor suggests the president has been absent or shirking work. The Capitol building visible in the background reinforces the political setting. Without additional context, the specific president and incident referenced are unclear, though the date (1883) and tone suggest criticism of executive performance during that period.
# Analysis for Modern Readers ## "Fishing Again" This satirizes President Chester Arthur's perceived priorities. The piece criticizes Arthur for fishing trips to Yellowstone and Newport when he should be campaigning. The joke compares him to a naval officer who delayed battle to land a fish—suggesting Arthur cares more about sport fishing than governing 50 million citizens. The implicit criticism: Arthur is neglecting his presidential duties during an important political campaign season. ## "Newspaper Competition" This section mocks the price war between major New York newspapers. The *Times* cut to two cents and the *Tribune* to three cents. Judge sarcastically praises this "progress," then absurdly extrapolates: if competition continues, papers will soon *pay* readers to take them, offering chromos, tea, and elaborate maps. The satire criticizes newspapers' desperate competition driving down prices and quality in pursuit of circulation—a concern about sensationalism over substance.
