Judge — November 1, 1890 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon satirizes American protectionist trade policy. A figure labeled "BRITISH MANUFACTURER" (left, gesturing dramatically) complains to three well-dressed gentlemen (likely American politicians or business interests) about tariffs restricting imports of cheap British goods. The cartoon's title "FALSE COLORS" suggests the British manufacturer is hypocritically claiming victimhood—he profits from exploiting workers ("pauper-made goods") while objecting to protective tariffs designed to shield American workers and manufacturers. The dead body at bottom labeled "McKINLEY BILL" references actual tariff legislation. The satire critiques both British manufacturing practices using exploited labor and American political figures who might sympathize with British complaints against American protectionism. The cartoon defends tariff protection as morally justified resistance to cheap labor competition.