Judge — September 26, 1891 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This *Judge* magazine cover from September 26, 1891 depicts a woman (representing Democracy or the Democratic Party) drowning or sinking in water, clinging to two wooden planks labeled "Silver" and "Free Trade." In the background, a ship labeled "Despair" appears to be departing. The cartoon satirizes the Democratic Party's weakened political position, suggesting that only these two economic policies—free trade and silver coinage—remain as their platform. The departing ship likely represents hope or support leaving the party. The overall message critiques the Democrats as struggling and abandoned, reduced to clinging to narrow policy positions rather than presenting a broader vision.