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

What you’re looking at

# "Gosh, Hang It! I'm Bunco'd Again" This 1897 Judge cartoon by Victor Gillam depicts Uncle Sam (the tall figure in striped pants and starred hat) being swindled on a city street. He's dropped money labeled "Union Gold Brick" and "Bonds" while clutching a bag of valuables. Other figures around him appear to be con artists or pickpockets in a urban setting. The "bunco" (confidence game/swindle) reference suggests satire about financial fraud or economic schemes affecting the nation. The cartoon likely criticizes either specific financial scandals of the 1890s era or broader concerns about corruption and schemes targeting American interests. The "gold brick" reference—a classic con involving fake gold—reinforces the swindling theme.