A complete issue · 22 pages · 1885
Judge — March 7, 1885
# "The Judge" - March 7, 1885 This cartoon, titled "INAUGURATED," depicts a political figure literally sitting in an oversized chair with his legs dangling—a visual pun on taking office. The chair's stars suggest a presidential seat. The figure appears small and inadequate for the position, suggesting the satirist's mockery of whoever recently took office. The Capitol building visible in the background confirms this is about a presidential inauguration. The exaggerated scale—the chair towering over the seated figure—conveys skepticism about the new leader's fitness for the job. This was 1885, following Chester Arthur's presidency (1881-1885) and James Cleveland's first inauguration in March 1885. The cartoon likely mocks Cleveland's readiness or qualifications for the presidency.
# Political Context for Modern Readers This 1885 *Judge* page celebrates Chester Arthur's departure from the presidency and mocks incoming Democrat Grover Cleveland. The magazine praises Arthur as dignified and competent, predicting Cleveland will bungle the office within four years due to inevitable corruption within the Democratic Party—satirized as a "garbage heap." The "Mugwumps" (reform Republicans who bolted to support Cleveland) receive particular ridicule. The magazine suggests these idealistic reformers foolishly abandoned Republican principles and now find themselves powerless and regretful, having cast aside their political influence for nothing. The satire reflects the fierce partisan divisions of the Gilded Age, where *Judge* promoted Republican superiority while lampooning Democratic incompetence and the naïveté of reform-minded politicians who challenged party loyalty. The Latin phrase translates roughly as "the empty traveler sings before the robber"—implying Cleveland will soon learn harsh political realities.
