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

What you’re looking at

# "Sun Struck" - Judge Magazine, July 1, 1899 This political cartoon satirizes a member of President McKinley's Republican administration. The figure, labeled "Republican Administration" in a halo, stands triumphantly while a devil-like creature writhes below, struck by sunlight from a barometer/thermometer rising dramatically. The "sun struck" title appears to reference both literal heat and a figurative blow. The barometer's markings (1897, 1898, 1899, etc.) suggest rising prosperity metrics—likely economic indicators improving under Republican stewardship following the 1890s depression. The demonic figure likely represents either Democratic opposition or economic hardship being defeated by administration policies. The satire celebrates Republican success, though the exaggerated religious imagery (halo, divine light) suggests Judge was mocking the administration's self-congratulatory tone.