Judge — September 9, 1893 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon from *Judge* magazine (September 9, 1895) critiques American industrial policy during the economic depression of the 1890s. The cartoon shows a well-dressed businessman representing "American Industry (in Circled)" being crushed under a massive box labeled "FEAR OF TARIFF TINKERING." The figure pleads: "If you really wish to give me relief take this crushing weight off my back." The satire attacks protectionist tariff debates of the era. American industrialists feared changes to tariff policy would destabilize markets and harm business. The cartoon argues that uncertainty about tariff modifications—rather than tariffs themselves—was the real burden crushing the economy. The "relief" needed wasn't government intervention, but rather stable, predictable trade policy.