Judge — June 11, 1898 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Judge Magazine - June 11, 1898 This cartoon depicts **Uncle Sam** (representing the United States) holding a dark figure labeled "Philippines' Dept. of Development," reflecting America's recent acquisition of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War (1898). The caption reads "INFORMATION WANTED," with Uncle Sam appearing uncertain or troubled about what to do with this new colonial possession. The warships in the background reference the naval conflict that secured U.S. control of the islands. The satire critiques American uncertainty about imperial expansion—the government had won territory but lacked clear policy for governing it. The dark, ambiguous figure symbolizes the problematic nature of colonialism itself. This captures contemporary debate about whether America should become an imperial power, a contentious issue in 1898.