Judge — July 25, 1896 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon depicting an elephant (the Republican Party symbol) being examined or tested, presumably by "Examiner McKinley" (likely President William McKinley). The elephant appears to be spelling out or reciting "PROTECTION" while standing on papers labeled "RUIN." The satire critiques Republican protectionist trade policies. The cartoon suggests that while Republicans claim their tariff protection will "regulate currency" and benefit the economy, the actual result is financial ruin—symbolized by the papers beneath the elephant's feet. The image mocks the gap between Republican rhetoric about currency regulation and the perceived harmful economic consequences of their protectionist stance. This reflects late-19th-century political debate over tariffs and economic policy.