Judge — September 19, 1891 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts Uncle Sam (representing the U.S. government) on the right, appearing distressed or defensive. On the left, a group of impoverished figures hold a sign reading "HELP US WE ARE STARVING." A banner above references "PROTECTION" and "TARIFF" policy. The satire critiques protective tariffs—trade policies that raised prices on imported goods. The cartoon suggests these policies harmed ordinary Americans and farmers by making goods expensive, while benefiting wealthy interests. The "foolish appeals" of the title indicates the government ignored desperate citizens' pleas for economic relief in favor of maintaining tariff protection for business. This likely reflects early 20th-century debates over tariff policy and its economic impact on working Americans.