A complete issue · 16 pages · 1887
Judge — January 1, 1887
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, January 1, 1887 **Title:** "Army of Jackies" / "A Happy New Year" **The Satire:** This appears to be New Year's Day commentary on military or police uniforms. A bearded man in striped prison or military garb is surrounded by figures in dark clothing, one holding what appears to be a sign or placard. The striped costume suggests either a convict or soldier. **Likely Meaning:** Without clearer context or visible text on the signs, the exact target is uncertain. However, the crowded, chaotic scene and "Army" reference suggest satire about either military expansion, prison conditions, or possibly police/enforcement proliferation in American life circa 1887. **What's Unclear:** The specific identity of "Jackies" and whether this references a particular political figure, military leader, or social movement of that era.
# "The Acme of Anglo-Mania" Analysis This cartoon satirizes British affectation among wealthy Americans. A standing figure in formal British dress confronts a seated man, demanding "chopped ice, a bottle of soda and some bromide" — supposedly what the seated man needs after attending a dinner where "the prince of Wales" was present. The satire targets American snobbism: the standing figure's exaggerated British mannerisms and formal dress mock those Americans who adopt British customs and speech to appear sophisticated. The joke is that despite this pretentious imitation of British style, the seated character still feels "awfully rocky" (hungover/unwell) — suggesting that affected Anglophilia cannot actually confer genuine refinement or superiority. The title "Acme of Anglo-Mania" directly identifies the target: excessive American admiration for British culture.
