Judge — January 21, 1899 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "Made a Monkey of Him" This 1899 *Judge* cartoon satirizes William Jennings Bryan, the Democratic presidential candidate who lost to William McKinley in 1896 and would run again in 1900. The caption shows Bryan complaining that McKinley's prosperity has made him look foolish—his supporters are celebrating McKinley's success instead of backing Bryan. The right side depicts Bryan as a literal monkey-faced figure, labeled "FREE S[ILVER]," referencing his signature campaign issue (free coinage of silver). The Capitol building and well-dressed figures in the background represent Republican political establishment and economic success. The cartoon's message: Bryan's free-silver platform appears absurd and outdated compared to McKinley's apparent economic success, making Bryan himself ridiculous to voters.