Judge — September 7, 1895 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon satirizes wealthy elites enjoying leisure activities while ordinary people struggle. The left panel shows a large sail labeled "PROTECTION" (likely referring to protective tariffs), while figures in boats—apparently representing the wealthy or politically connected—engage in yachting. Meanwhile, in the water, several working-class figures appear to be drowning or struggling to survive, with a lighthouse visible in the background. The satire suggests that protectionist economic policies benefit the rich ("going yachting") while leaving common people to sink. The contrast between the carefree pleasure of the yacht-owners and the desperate situation of those in the water criticizes economic inequality and questions whether protective tariffs genuinely serve the public interest or only privileged classes.