Judge — October 7, 1899 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1899 Judge cartoon depicts Uncle Sam directing President William McKinley to "finish the canal" and strengthen the nation. The image shows American naval vessels and flags positioned along what appears to be a canal route, with ships clustered in the waterway. This references the **Panama Canal project**—a major American infrastructure ambition of the era. The cartoon advocates for completing this canal to enhance American naval power and national greatness. The military ships symbolize how canal completion would benefit U.S. maritime strength and global influence. McKinley (president 1897-1901) is portrayed as Uncle Sam's agent, responsible for executing this patriotic vision. The cartoon represents the expansionist, imperialist sentiment popular among American political elites during this period of American imperial growth.