Judge — March 16, 1901 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon titled "Shrine of the World's Greatest Monarch," depicting what appears to be an Oriental or Asian ruler in elaborate dress worshipping at an altar made of American coal. The figure is surrounded by ornate vessels and ceremonial objects, with ships visible in the harbor background. The satire likely critiques American economic or imperial ambitions—specifically how the U.S. pursues wealth (coal) from foreign nations, positioning itself as a dominant power worthy of reverence. The "greatest monarch" reference is ironic. The verse below ("He calls for his stove pipe... coal bowl... fiddlers three") parodies the nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Sixpence," suggesting absurdity or mockery of the situation depicted above. Without knowing the specific date or political context, the cartoon appears to comment on American commercial or colonial interests abroad.