Judge — November 23, 1901 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a political cartoon advocating for Republican protectionist policies. The figure is labeled a "Ship-Builder" addressing Republicans, making an appeal for tariff protection of the American shipbuilding industry. The cartoon's argument is circular: Republican protection allegedly created markets for American products worldwide, so now Republicans should protect shipbuilding specifically so American goods can be transported in American-built ships rather than foreign ones. The background shows various cargo ships labeled with "U.S. GOODS," illustrating the concern that American merchandise is being shipped in non-American vessels. The satire critiques the self-interested lobbying of industrialists who benefit from protective tariffs—they want continued government favor to monopolize shipping their own goods. This reflects early 1900s debates over American protectionism and industrial policy.