A complete, restored issue of Judge from 1888-05-19 — all 16 pages of color political cartoons and topical humor, free to page through at comicbooks.com.

On the cover: # Political Cartoon Analysis: "Those Dangerous Wires" This *Judge* cartoon from May 19, 1888 appears to critique Democratic Party interference with electrical wiring or telegraph infrastructure near the U.S. Capitol. The severed head on the pole labeled "Boodle" and "Breck" (likely referencing political corruption) emits "Shock" and "Wreck" as warnings. Various figures—including what appear to be politicians and laborers—gather around the dangerous setup. A sign reads "DON'T TOUCH THE WIRES," suggesting Democrats are recklessly tampering with important systems. The satire likely comments on Democratic manipulation of federal infrastructure or telegraph/electrical monopolies during this era. The "dangerous wires" metaphor suggests their political interference poses risks to the nation. The cartoon's partisan Republican perspective (Judge was Republican-leaning) frames Democratic actions as hazardous meddling.

🖼️ 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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