A complete, restored issue of Judge from 1884-09-13 — all 16 pages of color political cartoons and topical humor, free to page through at comicbooks.com.

On the cover: # "Waiting for the Free Trade Bridge" This 1884 *Judge* cartoon satirizes the debate over free trade versus protectionist tariffs in American politics. The central figure (right) appears to be a wealthy industrialist or politician labeled "Monopoly," wearing a top hat and sitting smugly while holding baggage labeled with his interests. Meanwhile, smaller figures—representing workers, farmers, and common people—stand on a makeshift platform in water, literally "waiting" and struggling with flags and signs advocating for free trade. The industrial smokestacks in the background suggest manufacturing interests. The cartoon's point: wealthy monopolists block the "free trade bridge" that ordinary Americans need, using political power to maintain protectionist policies that benefit themselves while the public waits helplessly. The satirical title suggests promised free trade remains perpetually out of reach.

🖼️ Every page has a plain-English note on what you’re looking at — the figures, the references, the point of the satire.

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