Judge — May 18, 1918 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts what appears to be American diplomatic or military figures in an ornate Chinese setting, drawn by George Carlson. The title "Some Ware in China" is a pun on "ware" (goods/merchandise). The specific identities of the figures remain unclear from the image alone, though their military uniforms and formal dress suggest high-ranking officials. The elaborate Chinese decorative border and pagoda architecture frame what appears to be commentary on American involvement or interests in China during World War I. Without additional context about concurrent diplomatic events in May 1918, the precise satirical target—whether criticizing American imperial ambitions, specific negotiations, or military decisions regarding China—cannot be definitively determined from the visual evidence alone.