Judge — February 20, 1897 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Judge" Magazine Cover, February 20, 1897 This political cartoon depicts an allegorical female figure labeled "ARBITRATION" standing on a large head (likely representing a political leader or nation). She holds a banner reading "THE GLAD TIDINGS OF THE NEW ERA ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL" while wearing a sash marked "ARBITRATION." Small figures at the base appear to be celebrating or supporting this ideal. The caption states "CIVILIZATION DEMANDS ARBITRATION AND PEACE." The cartoon likely responds to contemporary international disputes—possibly involving America or European powers—advocating for peaceful arbitration over military conflict. This reflects 1890s progressive sentiment favoring international dispute resolution rather than warfare, a popular cause among American reform-minded publications of the era.