Judge — February 24, 1906 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This February 1906 *Judge* cartoon satirizes President Theodore Roosevelt's handling of the Panama Canal construction. The figure labeled "U.S." represents America, while Uncle Sam directs a young "Teddy" (Roosevelt) to complete difficult excavation work—"finish the job by digging up the stump." The scattered debris labeled "ROOSEVELT POLICY" suggests previous failed or messy attempts. The cartoon critiques Roosevelt's approach to the canal project, which faced engineering and political obstacles. The joke plays on Roosevelt's famous determination: Uncle Sam essentially tells the young president to persist despite complications and incomplete prior work. The caption emphasizes Roosevelt cannot "tell a lie," referencing his reputation for blunt honesty, while sardonically suggesting he should simply soldier forward regardless of obstacles.