Judge — July 25, 1891 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a figure labeled "The Saint" (appearing as a sanctimonious character in dark robes) addressing a reclining woman representing Democracy. The Saint demands she "repent" and return to worshipping "ME and Free Trade." The satire targets protectionist political opponents who, the cartoonist suggests, hypocritically invoke moral virtue while opposing free trade policies. The figure's exaggerated piety contrasts with his self-serving demands. This reflects late 19th-century American debate over tariffs versus free trade—a major political dividing line between parties and factions. The cartoon mockingly portrays free-trade advocates as self-righteous while accusing them of manipulating democratic sentiment for economic gain.