Judge — April 17, 1909 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts anthropomorphized animals (appearing to be bears or similar creatures) as "guiding angels" overseeing human labor and capital negotiations. Visible signs read "SQUARE DEAL TO CAPITAL & LABOR" and "CONFIDENCE RESTORED," referencing Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive Era policies. The satire appears to criticize Roosevelt's mediation between business and workers as paternalistic—depicting him (or his ideology) as an animal overseer managing both capital and labor interests. The "guiding angels" framing is ironic, suggesting the cartoon questions whether such intervention actually serves workers' interests or merely maintains control. References to "American Ships" and business dealings suggest concerns about labor conditions in shipping or maritime industries. The overall message critiques the notion that government arbitration genuinely protects workers.