A complete issue · 16 pages · 1889
Judge — May 4, 1889
# "The Beginning of the New Century" This May 4, 1889 *Judge* cartoon depicts the transition from the 19th to 20th century. The left figure represents the "Old" century—depicted as a worn, disheveled man in tattered clothes sitting on a bag labeled "Hundred Years"—symbolizing age and exhaustion. The right figure represents the "New" century—a robust, well-dressed gentleman in fine coat and hat, standing confidently amid celebratory pageantry and crowds. The accompanying verse suggests the old century, despite being a "squealer" and troublemaker, will "shine in celebration" and "remain an American"—implying continuity and pride in national heritage despite the old era's flaws. The contrast embodies optimistic Victorian attitudes about modernity and progress replacing the previous century's problems.
# "An Opportune Explanation" This cartoon satirizes a conversation between two figures at a voting machine labeled "1891." The well-dressed gentleman (appearing to be a political operative or party boss) is explaining something to a woman holding a sign reading "RAY YOUR TICKET" (likely "MARK YOUR TICKET"). The joke appears to mock voter manipulation or instruction—the man is presumably explaining how to vote "correctly" or for the "right" candidate. The woman's confused expression and the title "An Opportune Explanation" suggest the satire targets political corruption and the coaching of voters, likely by party machines. This reflects Gilded Age concerns about election fraud and the lack of secret balloting, when political operatives openly influenced how citizens voted.
