A complete issue · 16 pages · 1893
Judge — July 8, 1893
# Judge Magazine, July 8, 1893 **"Only Hoke's Fun"** This political cartoon satirizes someone referred to as "Hoke Smith" (likely Secretary of the Interior under President Cleveland). The caption shows Smith boasting: "I've given the old man a good shaking up. Great Scott! how scared he is." The central figure—depicted as a grotesque, wild-haired man—is literally jumping in the air after stepping on what appears to be a firecracker labeled "HOKE'S ON" (a pun on his name). Two smaller figures flank him, appearing to be other political figures observing the chaos. The cartoon mocks Smith's self-importance, suggesting his actions cause more commotion than actual impact, and ridicules him for boasting about intimidating President Cleveland ("the old man").
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Page This page contains several brief satirical commentary sections rather than a single coherent cartoon. The visible cartoon depicts "True Thrift," showing what appears to be a street vendor or shopkeeper scene with period clothing. The text sections mock various political and social figures: "Peck," described as a "brass-mounted fraud" and labor commissioner who fled to Europe; commentary on "Cousin Ben Folsom's" return regarding civil-service regulations; and criticism of a lady's hat-wearing technique. Other sections reference Minister Blount, David M. Stone's retirement from the Journal of Commerce, and general political commentary about government positions and American institutions. Without clearer identification of specific historical figures and dates from the publication, precise political context remains unclear, though the satire targets government incompetence and hypocrisy.
