Judge — September 16, 1899 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1896-1899 comparative cartoon depicts the **Democratic Party as a stubborn goat** repeatedly charging at the Republican Wall—a barrier covered with Republican policy achievements: sound government, no bond issues, increased prices, prosperity, protection for American labor, and gold standard expansion. The top panel (1896) shows the Democratic goat striking the wall and asking "Great silver! what have I struck?" The bottom panel (1899) shows the same goat attempting again, with the caption "Never say die. I'll try it again"—but the parenthetical note adds: "(But we all know that the result will be the same.)" The satire mocks Democratic persistence in opposing Republican policies despite repeated electoral failures. The goat symbolizes both stubbornness and futility, suggesting Democrats cannot overcome Republican economic success, particularly regarding monetary policy (the silver versus gold standard debate was central to 1890s politics).