A complete issue · 16 pages · 1889
Judge — January 19, 1889
# "A Hopeless Effort to Revive the Mummy" This political cartoon from Judge (January 19, 1889) uses Egyptian mummy imagery as satire. The label "FREE TRADE KILLED NOV 1888" on the mummy indicates the cartoon concerns American free trade policy, apparently defeated in November 1888 elections. The figures attempting to revive the "dead" free trade policy appear to be political advocates or Democratic politicians (free trade was traditionally the Democratic position). The Egyptian setting—with the sarcophagus, hieroglyphics, and costumed figures—suggests these revival efforts are ancient history, futile, and absurd. The cartoonist argues that free trade's electoral defeat was decisive and permanent, making attempts to resurrect the policy ridiculous and doomed. The Republican victory in 1888 favored protective tariffs over free trade.
# "The Flutter at Hayti" This cartoon satirizes American diplomatic tensions regarding Haiti. The caption quotes a general asking "What per wont?" in response to another officer's complaint about wanting "redress." The image depicts two military figures—one wearing a plumed hat (appearing to represent a foreign general or dignitary) confronting an American officer. The cartoon likely mocks confused or contradictory American military/diplomatic positions regarding Haiti, possibly referencing U.S. intervention or negotiations. The accompanying article "Embarrassments of Annexation" discusses proposed Canadian annexation to the U.S., arguing it would damage American agricultural interests and lower land values. The piece critiques American expansionist ambitions while questioning whether such territorial acquisitions serve national interests. Both items satirize American foreign policy overreach during this period.
