Judge — April 5, 1902 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts aquatic creatures (appearing to be crocodiles or alligators) labeled "SPANISH" and "WET NURSES" drowning or struggling in water, while an American eagle with stars watches from above left. The cityscape in the background suggests an urban American setting. The satire appears to reference American intervention in Spanish colonial affairs, likely concerning Cuba or the Philippines during the Spanish-American War era. The "young ones" metaphor suggests colonial territories or dependencies. The caption's cynical observation—"sometimes that they're more trouble than they're worth"—critiques the burden and complications of imperial expansion, questioning whether acquiring these territories justifies the costs and difficulties involved. The cartoon expresses skepticism about American imperial ambitions.