Judge — April 9, 1904 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "Will They Raise the Deuce?" (Judge, April 9, 1904) This satirical cartoon depicts the 1904 presidential election season. The central figure appears to be a playing card (the deuce of clubs) labeled "FREE SILVER BUST," flanked by two men labeled "BRYAN'S BOOM" and "CLEVELAND BOOM"—likely referencing William Jennings Bryan and Grover Cleveland, prominent Democratic figures. The title's pun—"raise the deuce" means to cause trouble—jokes whether Democrats can revive their political fortunes. A Turkish figure on the left and kite-flying imagery reference the coming campaign season. The various objects scattered about (cannons, military equipment) suggest political turmoil and competing factions within the Democratic party struggling to determine their 1904 platform and candidate.