Judge — December 1, 1900 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes labor negotiations during the McKinley administration. The caption "AND THE WORKINGMAN IS RIGHT" presents a dialogue between a wealthy industrialist (left) and a worker named Walter McKinley (identified in the speech bubble). The workingman complains that despite receiving a fine turkey annually, he was promised better wages "for four years" and demands the employer fulfill that commitment. The cartoon critiques President McKinley's perceived failure to protect workers' interests despite campaign promises. The ornate courtroom setting with classical columns evokes judicial authority, suggesting the dispute requires legal arbitration. The overall message: American workers deserved better economic treatment than symbolic gestures, and the administration had broken faith with its labor constituency.