A complete issue · 16 pages · 1885
Judge — July 11, 1885
# Analysis of "The Wandering Jew of Democracy" This 1885 *Judge* cartoon employs an antisemitic stereotype—"The Wandering Jew"—to satirize what the cartoonist views as destabilizing foreign influences in American democracy. The bearded figure, depicted with exaggerated features typical of period antisemitic caricature, wanders through European cities (marked "Italy," "Spain," "Austria") carrying a walking staff and what appears to be revolutionary materials. The satire suggests that Jewish immigrants or leftist agitators are perpetually destabilizing democracies across nations. The figure's journey implies these destabilizing forces are now threatening America. This reflects late-19th-century nativist anxieties about immigration and political radicalism, weaponizing the ancient antisemitic "Wandering Jew" trope to oppose democratic openness to foreign-born populations.
# The Judge, Page 2: Political Satire Analysis **The Main Cartoon:** The masthead illustration depicts a disheveled man—likely representing a politician or office-seeker—associated with the magazine's satirical commentary. **"What Will He Do With It?"** This article mocks President Cleveland's appointment of Keiley, described as an old Democrat from Andrew Jackson's era, to a diplomatic post. The satire compares Keiley to a reanimated corpse: the administration resurrected him politically but now cannot control or dismiss him. The "Wandering Jew" metaphor suggests Keiley will haunt the administration until the 1888 election. **Context:** Cleveland's revival of Jacksonian-era Democrats was seen as outdated "archaeology" rather than modern statesmanship. The piece ridicules how the administration is stuck with an embarrassing appointment it cannot undo. **"Only Fancy":** A lighter piece explaining why fans work through psychological comfort rather than actual cooling—contrasting imagery of hot scenes on fans creates relative comfort through imagination.
