Judge — October 27, 1888 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a Shakespearean reference cartoon, alluding to *The Merchant of Venice*'s "pound of flesh" demand. The central figure appears to be **Uncle Sam** (identifiable by his striped pants and tall hat), surrounded by men in formal dress. One figure on the right wears a sash labeled "American Industry." The cartoon satirizes labor disputes or financial negotiations where capitalists demand concessions from workers or the nation. The "pound of flesh" metaphor suggests they're making seemingly modest demands ("very slight reduction") that actually cut dangerously close to vital interests—specifically "nearest the heart." The dark humor implies these proposals, though presented as minor, would cause significant harm. The cartoonist (signed "Gillam") criticizes how business interests frame aggressive demands as reasonable compromises.