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A complete, restored issue of Judge from 1888-08-25 — all 16 pages of color political cartoons and topical humor, free to page through at comicbooks.com.

On the cover: # "Bismarck and American Protection" This 1888 political cartoon satirizes the protectionist tariff debate. The large figure appears to be **Otto von Bismarck**, the German Chancellor, depicted as lecturing smaller figures—likely representing **Irish-American Democrats** concerned about tariffs affecting Irish trade. The speech bubble quotes Bismarck endorsing protective tariffs as key to America's economic success. The cartoon's satire is directed at **Democratic politicians** who opposed high tariffs: the caption mocks them for finding "consolation" that German gains will offset Irish tariff losses. The joke targets the political hypocrisy of Democrats claiming to help Irish-Americans while opposing the very protectionist policies Bismarck championed—suggesting their position is logically incoherent.

🖼️ 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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A complete issue · 16 pages · 1888

Judge — August 25, 1888

1888-08-25 · Free to read

Judge — August 25, 1888 — page 1
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# "Bismarck and American Protection" This 1888 political cartoon satirizes the protectionist tariff debate. The large figure appears to be **Otto von Bismarck**, the German Chancellor, depicted as lecturing smaller figures—likely representing **Irish-American Democrats** concerned about tariffs affecting Irish trade. The speech bubble quotes Bismarck endorsing protective tariffs as key to America's economic success. The cartoon's satire is directed at **Democratic politicians** who opposed high tariffs: the caption mocks them for finding "consolation" that German gains will offset Irish tariff losses. The joke targets the political hypocrisy of Democrats claiming to help Irish-Americans while opposing the very protectionist policies Bismarck championed—suggesting their position is logically incoherent.

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