Judge — July 13, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts **John Bull** (left), the personified British Empire, cowering before a tall, elaborately dressed figure (right) representing **Uncle Sam** (America), who holds a small boat labeled "VENEZUELA." The caption—"I think that you can whip me, so I'm not a-going to play"—shows Britain retreating from confrontation. This likely references the **1895 Venezuelan border dispute**, when the U.S. invoked the Monroe Doctrine against British interests in Venezuela's territorial claims. The cartoon satirizes Britain's diplomatic capitulation to American pressure, portraying the traditional imperial power as now intimidated by the assertive young American nation. The ribbons on Uncle Sam's coat likely represent American interests or states.