A complete, restored issue of Judge from 1886-03-13 — all 16 pages of color political cartoons and topical humor, free to page through at comicbooks.com.

On the cover: # "Falstaff in a Fix" (Judge, March 13, 1886) This political cartoon references the Shakespearean character Falstaff, a blustering character known for making excuses. The central figure, labeled "Falstaff Cleveland," appears to be President Grover Cleveland. He's depicted caught in an awkward situation with other figures holding a document labeled "Reasons for Removal" or similar demands. The satire criticizes Cleveland for making excuses regarding political removals or appointments—likely referring to controversies over federal patronage decisions. The Shakespeare quote about "what trick, what device" suggests Cleveland is caught in contradiction or deception regarding his stated reasons for actions. The cartoon mocks Cleveland as a bloviating character unable to convincingly justify his political decisions, comparing his evasions to Falstaff's famous excuse-making.

🖼️ 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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