Judge — May 23, 1896 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon titled "One Man's Poison Is Another's Meat," depicting a rotund, well-fed figure (likely representing a wealthy industrialist or politician) sitting atop various sacks labeled with Britain's economic problems: "Navy Enlarged," "Taxes Reduced on Land," "Surplus," and "Bullion in Bank of England" (£238,000,000). The figure appears satisfied despite these contradictions. In the background, "English Factories Running Night and Day" suggests industrial prosperity. The accompanying text references "The Marvellous Prosperity which England is now Enjoying" and mentions a Democratic Congress, suggesting American political commentary about British economic conditions. The satire critiques how wealth inequality allowed the privileged to prosper while workers endured harsh conditions—what benefits the rich harms ordinary people.