Judge — December 17, 1898 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon uses Biblical parable imagery (the wise man building on rock vs. foolish man on sand) to satirize American political parties. The large structure labeled "Honest Government" appears partially constructed, while workers below represent different political factions. A banner reads "Protection to Home Industries," suggesting economic policy debate. The cartoon criticizes competing political parties—likely Democrats and Republicans—as unstable and foolish, contrasting them with the Republican Party, which the caption claims built its foundation on solid principles and will withstand political "storms." The caricatured workers and their various tools suggest different party platforms being thrown together haphazardly, emphasizing disorganization and infighting among the "foolish parties." The overall message: only the Republican Party has stable, principled governance; others will collapse under pressure.