Judge — September 26, 1896 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "Forewarned is Forearmed" **Date & Context:** September 26, 1896 — during the heated U.S. presidential campaign over monetary policy. **The Satire:** A tall figure (likely representing a politician or advocate) displays a warning sign to distressed workers listing catastrophic consequences of "free silver" — bank closures, factory shutdowns, unemployment, and economic collapse affecting New York City and municipalities. **The Point:** The cartoon mocks fear-mongering about free silver (unlimited silver coinage), a major 1896 campaign issue. The "forewarned is forearmed" caption sarcastically suggests this warning poster is meant as advance preparation. The suffering workers depicted suggest the cartoon questions whether such warnings are justified or merely scare tactics by opponents of free silver currency. **Artist:** Victor Gillam (signed lower right).