Judge — October 12, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes Democratic Party infighting over trade policy. The caption states: "The Democratic state conventions only mention Cleveland's name in their free trade resolutions." The image depicts Democratic figures (identifiable by the donkey labeled "Democracy" in the lower left) in conflict. A woman in the center appears to be serving "cold buckwheats"—a metaphor for lukewarm or rejected support. The well-dressed man on the right likely represents a Democratic politician or faction, while others react with apparent disappointment or disagreement. The satire targets Democrats' reluctance to enthusiastically endorse President Grover Cleveland's free-trade agenda at state conventions, suggesting their public rhetoric contradicts their actual commitment. The "cold" food metaphor emphasizes the lack of genuine enthusiasm or unified support.