Judge — September 28, 1889 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon satirizes Democratic support for free-trade policies. The image depicts "Prohibition" as a massive waterfall, with figures labeled "Democratic Free-Trade Cranks" attempting to navigate it precariously on wooden planks. The satire suggests Democrats are recklessly pursuing free-trade policies despite the danger posed by Prohibition (shown as an overwhelming force). The figures appear to be teetering on the edge of economic catastrophe. A suspension bridge visible in the background likely represents economic stability or an alternative path. The cartoon criticizes Democratic politicians for simultaneously supporting both Prohibition and free-trade—policies the cartoonist views as economically destructive and mutually incompatible. The "cranks" reference mocks these politicians as extremists or ideologues disconnected from practical economic reality.