A complete issue · 16 pages · 1885
Judge — January 10, 1885
# "It Won't Last Long" - Judge Magazine, January 10, 1885 This political cartoon depicts **Democracy as a fragile figure** wearing a top hat labeled "DEMOCRACY," being steadily undermined by various problems. The figure appears weakened, with labels identifying threats: "Party Squabbles," "Bourbon Dissention," "Free Trade," and "Dissatisfaction" eating away at its foundation. A man (likely representing a concerned citizen or political observer) kneels beside the crumbling figure in despair, marked "4 YEARS," suggesting this commentary occurs during a specific presidential term. The satire warns that **American democracy faces internal collapse** from partisan conflict and ideological divisions—particularly between Democratic factions (referenced by "Bourbon" Democrats and "Free Trade" advocates). The title suggests this unstable political state cannot endure. The cartoon reflects 1880s anxieties about governmental dysfunction.
# The Judge Magazine Page Analysis This page from Judge magazine (circa 1883-1885) contains no prominent political cartoon on the visible portion—instead it features editorial content and subscription information. The main article, "The Nicaragua Canal Treaty," discusses the proposed Nicaraguan canal route as an alternative to the Panama canal being developed by Ferdinand de Lesseps. The piece expresses American nationalist sentiment, asserting that a Nicaraguan canal would be "an exclusively American enterprise" and that England shouldn't worry about U.S. intentions, as Secretary of State (likely referring to James G. Blaine) has "pre-empted the claim." The "Hard Times" section addresses economic recession, describing business uncertainty, mill closures, and unemployment—reflecting the late 19th-century economic depression. The masthead announces Judge's commitment to improving its comic illustrations and cartoon quality in the new year, soliciting subscriptions at $1 per copy or $3 for six months.
