Judge — October 18, 1890 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon by Hamilton depicts a destitute man and his dog standing on a beach amid shipwreck debris. The title "NOT A PLANK TO STAND ON NOW" references Robinson Crusoe, the famous fictional castaway. The accompanying verse ("Oh, poor Robinson Crusoe! / How could they treat you so? / On Protection's Reef, / You've come to grief, / Oh, poor Robinson Crusoe!") suggests this critiques the political consequences of protective tariff policies. The figure appears to represent someone financially ruined by recent trade legislation—likely connected to 1890s tariff debates. The shipwreck metaphor emphasizes complete economic devastation. Without additional historical context, the specific "Robinson Crusoe" reference remains somewhat unclear, though it likely mocks a political figure or economic policy's disastrous effects.