Judge — March 21, 1903 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts foreign figures attempting to enter the U.S., which is guarded by American interests. The fortified building on the left represents American protectionism, with a sign reading "WE BELIEVE IN FREE TRADE FOR U.S. INDUSTRIES" visible on the ground. The figures outside—appearing to represent various foreign nations or traders—carry banners, including one reading "COME AND JOIN OUR HAPPY BAND," suggesting they're seeking access to American markets. The satire mocks American hypocrisy: the nation promotes "free trade" rhetoric while maintaining closed-door immigration and trade policies. The caption "DOOR POLICY HERE" emphasizes this exclusionary stance. This likely reflects late 19th or early 20th-century debates over protectionism versus free trade, targeting political leaders who advocated free trade in principle while supporting restrictive tariffs in practice.