Judge — September 15, 1888 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a satirical cartoon from *Judge* magazine dated August 23, 1888, concerning Cleveland's tariff policy. The central figure holds a document labeled "WHITE HOUSE" and "CLEVELAND RETALI[ATION]," displaying what appears to be a presidential message or policy statement. The cartoon criticizes a political position as transparent deception—the caption notes "that the Workingmen easily see through it," suggesting the satire targets working-class awareness of dishonest political maneuvering. The figures appear to represent political figures or allegorical characters examining or promoting this policy. Without clearer identification of all parties shown, the precise political argument remains somewhat unclear, though it clearly mocks a Cleveland administration initiative regarding tariffs or retaliation, likely a major campaign issue in the 1888 election.