Judge — November 9, 1901 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1901 Judge cartoon presents William McKinley's "Suggestions" regarding American naval expansion. The image shows an allegorical figure (likely representing Peace or America) gazing upon a fleet of ships with distinctive Asian-style curved roofs, suggesting foreign or captured vessels. The visible text emphasizes that America needs more ships—specifically American-built and American-owned vessels that will serve commercial and military purposes, bringing "peace and amity wherever they go." This reflects McKinley's imperialist foreign policy during the Spanish-American War era and its aftermath, when the U.S. was expanding its naval power and overseas territories. The cartoon satirizes McKinley's aggressive expansion strategy by framing military buildup as a path to international "peace"—a contradiction the satirist highlights through the juxtaposition of warships and the peace-figure's contemplation.