Judge — December 15, 1894 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1893 *Judge* cartoon satirizes tariff policy debates. The main image depicts caricatured figures (appearing to represent political or business figures) operating a "Tariff Buzz-Saw"—a dangerous tool cutting through materials labeled with economic references. The saw itself is labeled "TARIFF," suggesting the cartoon criticizes how tariff legislation functions as a destructive instrument. The inset cartoon titled "Judge" from 1893 shows a figure saying "DON'T," warning against something, likely the tariff's harmful effects. The caption notes Congress needs "important amendments" to the tariff act. This reflects 1890s debates over protectionist tariffs, where opponents argued such policies harmed workers and consumers rather than helping American industry. The "buzz-saw" metaphor suggests the tariff cuts through ordinary people's welfare.