Judge — September 26, 1908 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This **Judge** magazine cartoon depicts a donkey marked "DEFEAT 1896" being attacked or confronted by a soldier at the U.S. Capitol. The caption reads "JACK ASS, BUT NOT AN ELEPHANT." The donkey symbolizes the Democratic Party (its traditional mascot), while the elephant represents Republicans. The 1896 date and "DEFEAT" label reference the Democratic Party's loss in that year's presidential election—likely William Jennings Bryan's defeat by William McKinley. The cartoon's point appears to be mocking Democrats: while they were defeated like a jackass, they are "not an elephant"—meaning they lack the strength or intelligence of the Republican opposition. The soldier or military figure suggests Republican strength or victory in this political struggle.