Judge — February 4, 1899 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Hit Him Hardi" — Judge Magazine, February 4, 1899 This political cartoon depicts President McKinley wielding a flyswatter against mosquitoes labeled with what appear to be references to the Philippines conflict. The caption reads: "Mosquitoes seem to be worse here in the Philippines than they were in Cuba." The satire compares the Philippine-American War (then ongoing) to pest control—suggesting McKinley faces persistent problems in the Philippines following America's recent victory in Cuba. The mosquitoes likely represent specific challenges: insurgent resistance, tropical disease, or diplomatic complications from the U.S. occupation. The cartoon critiques McKinley's foreign policy by trivializing serious military engagement as mere nuisance-swatting, implying the Philippines campaign is proving messier and more difficult than anticipated.