A complete issue · 16 pages · 1893
Judge — September 30, 1893
# "The Two Obstructionists" - Judge Magazine, September 30, 1893 This political cartoon depicts two caricatured figures labeled as "obstructionists" blocking progress. The left figure is identified as an "English Lord" addressing an "American Senator." The dialogue mocks their mutual obstruction: the English lord claims they can't hurt each other through bribery and influence with legislators, boasting about inherited position ("I'm the son of my daddy"). The cartoon satirizes political corruption and nepotism in both nations. The "Home Rule" and "Protection" placards likely reference contemporary trade disputes and Irish Home Rule debates dividing American and British politics in 1893. The satire suggests both figures prioritize personal privilege over public interest, making them equally obstructionist to progress.
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Page The main cartoon titled "FOUND OUT" depicts street urchins examining a sign reading "BEWARE THE DOG." The accompanying text explains the satire: despite warnings, the children have discovered the supposed guard dog is actually harmless—it's all bluster with no real threat. This appears to be political allegory. The caption "FOUND OUT" suggests the cartoon mocks something pretending to be dangerous but proven toothless. Given Judge's satirical nature, this likely references a political figure or policy presented as threatening but revealed as ineffectual. Without additional context about the magazine's publication date, the specific target remains unclear, though the setup—exposing false danger—is typical of Judge's political mockery of its era.
This page from *Judge* magazine contains several satirical sketches typical of late 19th-century humor: **"Sage Advice"** depicts a father (Father Bill) offering cynical marriage counsel to a young man, suggesting dishonesty about finances and infidelity—standard misogynistic humor of the era. **"Flattery"** and **"A Year After"** show a romance's trajectory from courtship to disillusionment, mocking both romantic idealism and married life. **"Hic Jacet Horace"** presents a student with odd-looking eyes, likely poking fun at physical appearance or academic pretension. **"Wholesale Job"** and **"Masterly Touches"** are brief comedic dialogues about work and artistic criticism. The bottom illustrations show animals (cow and dog) positioned near signs, playing on visual puns or absurdist humor. The overall tone reflects *Judge*'s characteristic social satire focused on relationships, social climbing, and everyday follies.
