Judge — November 17, 1888 — page 18: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This **Judge** magazine cartoon titled "Great Scott! What Struck Us?" depicts a chaotic scene of destruction. The central figure appears to be Uncle Sam or a representative of American commerce, struck down amid debris labeled "Free Trade" and other commercial goods. An owl with a sign reading "It's about time you got wise" observes from above—likely representing wisdom or commentary on American policy. The scene suggests satire about the consequences of free trade policies on American workers and industry. The "bull" label visible at bottom may reference reckless economic behavior. Without the specific publication date visible, the exact political moment remains unclear, but this appears to critique how free trade agreements or economic policies harm American interests—a recurring satirical theme in late 19th/early 20th-century American political cartooning.