Judge — November 1, 1890 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes the debate over free trade versus protective tariffs in late 19th-century America. The figure labeled "McKinley" (likely President William McKinley, known for protectionist policies) confronts a "free-trade agitator," accusing him of being "a sham and a fraud." The accompanying text from William McKinley discusses tariff history, noting that import duties have fluctuated dramatically—from near-zero in 1824 to 50% by 1890. McKinley advocates for protective tariffs despite their unpopularity with free-trade advocates. The cartoon's joke: McKinley suggests the free-trader is hypocritically masquerading as something he isn't, while McKinley himself champions the tariff position. The satire likely critiques both sides' rhetorical dishonesty in this heated economic policy debate.