Judge — September 16, 1899 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

These two cartoons, titled "Democratic Goat" (1895 and 1897), use a goat as metaphor for the Democratic Party. The goat attempts to butt through a wall labeled "Republican Wall" constructed from policy planks: "Sound Government," "Increased Prices in Manufactured Goods," "Prosperity," "Gold Standard," "Protection to American Labor," and "No Bond Issues." In 1895, the goat confidently charges the wall. By 1897, it's knocked flat, exclaiming it expected an easier target. The satire mocks Democratic weakness against Republican political dominance during this period. The figure watching on the right appears to represent Republican leadership, observing the Democrats' futile efforts. This reflects the mid-1890s political climate when Republicans controlled policy following McKinley's 1896 election victory over Democrat William Jennings Bryan.