Judge — September 13, 1890 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a farmer confronting what appears to be a wealthy figure (labeled "FARMER") about agricultural price increases. The sign reads: "GREAT INCREASE IN PRICES UNDER THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION OF WHEAT, OATS, BARLEY, COTTON, WOOL, LEATHER, &C., &C." The cartoon satirizes the tension between free-trade policy and agricultural interests. The farmer points accusingly at the wealthy man (likely representing a free-trade advocate or administration official), suggesting that while prices have risen, farmers aren't benefiting—they're being "repulsed" despite the administration's policies. The rural homestead in the background emphasizes the agricultural perspective. This reflects late 19th-century debates over tariff policy and which groups actually profited from economic changes.