A complete issue · 20 pages · 1887
Judge — June 25, 1887
# Judge Magazine, June 25, 1887: "Tough on Micawber" This cartoon satirizes two political figures both nicknamed "Micawber" (referencing Dickens's eternally optimistic character). The central figure holds a distressed child while addressing someone off-panel. The dialogue contrasts two "Mrs. Micawbers"—one from Garland (likely James A. Garland, possibly related to President Garland) and one from Cleveland (likely President Grover Cleveland). The Garland figure refuses positions like Supreme Judge or Inter-State Commissioner, insisting "I'll NEVER DESERT YOU, MR. MICAWBER!" The Cleveland figure responds with worry about the consequences. The cartoon appears to mock political patronage disputes and broken promises of political loyalty during the Cleveland administration, using Dickens's character type to critique politicians' self-serving optimism and unreliability.
# "The Erin Boy Rescue" This cartoon satirizes a contemporary political or social situation involving the rescue of a boy named Erin. The dialogue—"Doctor, this is indeed a happy moment" / "Right you are, Henry. Come to my arms, and tell me who's ahead between Kelly's mule and the clams"—suggests a comedic non-sequitur where urgent concern for the rescued child is immediately displaced by trivial concerns (a mule race and seafood). The satire likely mocks political or public figures (possibly including someone named Kelly) who exploit dramatic news events for personal gain or attention while remaining indifferent to genuine welfare concerns. The juxtaposition of rescue with absurd priorities reflects Judge magazine's typical critique of public hypocrisy and misplaced priorities among the era's political class.
