Judge — February 11, 1899 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1898 Judge magazine cartoon, titled "Let Us Have Peace: The Last Bombardment of Spain," uses satire to comment on American military intervention. A large cannon labeled "ACCUSATION" dominates the foreground, aimed at a classical building (representing Spain's government). Demonic or caricatured figures emerge from the cannon's barrel, while dignified officials stand on the capitol steps above. The satire appears critical of American warmongering—suggesting that accusations and inflammatory rhetoric are being weaponized against Spain like cannon fire. The "last bombardment" reference likely alludes to the Spanish-American War (1898). The cartoon seems to mock or question the justifications used for military aggression, presenting accusations as destructive "ammunition" rather than legitimate grievances. The overall message critiques how nations manufacture pretexts for warfare.