Judge — June 22, 1895 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "On the Fence" - Judge Magazine, June 22, 1893 This political cartoon satirizes indecision over the **free silver versus gold standard debate**, the dominant economic issue of 1890s America. Three prominent figures stand literally "on the fence," apparently unwilling to commit to either position. The sign reads: "The Question of the Day: Free Silver, or Gold?" One figure wears a "Reed" label, likely Speaker of the House Thomas B. Reed. A caricatured figure labeled "Silver Jones" appears below, perhaps referencing silver-advocating politicians. The "Golden Sherman" reference suggests Secretary of the Treasury John Sherman, a gold standard advocate. The cartoon mocks political leaders for straddling this contentious economic divide rather than taking firm positions, while common citizens below watch their indecision with frustration.