Judge, 1908-10-31 · page 15 of 16
Judge — October 31, 1908 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a Democratic campaign advertisement for William Jennings Bryan and James Sherman Kern's 1908 presidential bid. It attacks Republican tariff policy, arguing that twelve years of GOP rule have raised the cost of living 48% while workers' wages haven't kept pace. The ad uses specific price comparisons to demonstrate inflation: shoes ($3→$5), beef (16¢→24¢ per pound), clothing ($25→$35), and building materials. It blames protective tariffs that benefit wealthy industrialists and "trusts" (monopolies) while harming ordinary consumers through higher prices for imported materials and protected goods. The Democrats promise "tariff revision and lower cost of living" under Bryan-Kern. The fundraising appeal at bottom solicits $5 donations, claiming the savings from lower living costs will repay supporters many times over—essentially a promise that lower prices will benefit voters more than their campaign contribution costs.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
- | || WHO GETS THE PROSPERITY? During the past 12 years of Republican Govern- ment the average cost of living has increased 48% HAS YOUR INCOME INCREASED 48%? BRYAN and KERN’S ELECTION MEANS REAL TARIFF REVISION AND LOWER COST OF LIVING A FEW FACTS SHOES that cost $3.00 a pair in 1896 now cost $4.00 and $5.00 because materials have gone up 52%. Trust controlled, tarift protected, sole leather has gone up over 170%. BEEFSTEAK that cost 16 cents per pound in 1896 now costs 24 cents. Why? Increase in population out- stripped increase in supply. South American beef barred by tariff protecting the Beef Trust. American cattle men get less, American consumer pays more. SUITS OF CLOTHES that cost $25.00 in 1896, cost $35.00 to-day. Tariff bars foreign woolens. SUNLIGHT is free but the glass in your window that cost 75 cents in 1896, costs $1.88 to-day, thanks to protection. YOUR HOUSE costs you 40% more to build to-day than it did twelve years ago, because tariff allows this extortion. | You_pay 48% more to live under Republican _Gov- ernment, because of the tariff that enriches the few VOTE FOR BRYAN AND KERN AND LOWER LIVING EXPENSES Money is needed to present our principles, policies, and arguments to the public. We expect none, want none and will take none from the corporations. If you want to see Bryan and Kern win, show your interest not only by voting, but by aiding us to get out your fellow citizens. Fill out the enclosed coupon, and send us $5.00 for our campaign fund (more if you feel that way). You will get it back many times over in reduced cost of living and in 1 prosperity that helps you. Stars bre ME ——— g No, S comicbooks.com