Judge — October 22, 1898 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes Theodore Roosevelt's imperial ambitions and militarism. The central figure—a caricatured Roosevelt in military dress marked "A.R.R." (Assistant Roosevelt)—rides an elephant while wielding a large club, depicted as an aggressive imperialist. Surrounding him are smaller caricatures representing conquered or subjugated peoples and territories, flags, and what appear to be colonial troops or indigenous populations. The exaggerated features and hierarchical composition mock Roosevelt's expansionist "Big Stick" foreign policy and his involvement in colonial ventures. The text fragment "And Teddy (Roosevelt)" suggests this is part of a larger critique of Roosevelt's presidency (1901-1909), likely attacking his interventionist policies in Latin America, the Philippines, or other regions. The satirical tone criticizes American imperialism under his administration.