A complete issue · 16 pages · 1886
Judge — August 7, 1886
# Judge Magazine, August 7, 1886 This cartoon satirizes the end of the Congressional baseball season. The title "THE END OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BASE BALL SEASON" indicates Congress members played baseball as recreation. The image shows a large figure (likely representing Congress or a specific congressman) wearing a "Protection Club" uniform, wielding a baseball bat like a weapon or club. He appears aggressive or exhausted. A smaller figure labeled "BARGAINER" cowers nearby, with "Free Trade Protection" signage visible. The accompanying quote—"Or, that was only an exhibition game you know. We never meant to score"—suggests Congress's baseball games were merely performative displays with no real competitive intent or results. The satire likely mocks Congressional inaction or empty political posturing regarding tariff and trade policy, using the baseball metaphor to criticize their ineffectiveness.
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Page This page contains editorial commentary and satirical items rather than a single cartoon. The main cartoon titled "SHE WANTED TO BE SURE" depicts an old woman speaking to a man, with her dialogue: "I shall have to get a stronger and more powerful dose. I am almost certain men go when looking out there. The horrid thing! Do modesty in all of us." The surrounding text includes brief satirical items mocking various figures and issues, including references to General Sheridan, Sir Charles Dilke, and commentary on American citizenship and Mexican relations. The specific political contexts are unclear without additional historical documentation, but the page exemplifies Judge's typical format of mixing short satirical commentary pieces with illustrations targeting contemporary politicians and social issues of the era.
