Judge — May 18, 1901 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon criticizing Wall Street speculation and financial fraud. The central image depicts anthropomorphized animals (donkeys, pigs, and other creatures) wearing dollar signs and top hats, representing greedy investors or speculators. They're crowding toward "Wall Street" with signs reading "Bring your money to us—we will take care of it" and "This way to wealth." The gate bears the Dante-inspired inscription "Who enters here leaves hope behind," mocking the false promises of easy riches. A skeletal figure and emaciated donkey labeled "Short Seller" appear to be victims of the scheme. The title "A Fool is Born...And the boom in Wall Street" suggests the cartoon critiques both the gullible investors and the financial manipulation endemic to the era—likely referencing the speculative excesses and market volatility of the early 20th century before major financial regulation.