A complete issue · 16 pages · 1894
Judge — January 20, 1894
# The Industrial Thermometer (January 20, 1894) This political cartoon depicts **Uncle Sam** (identifiable by his characteristic top hat and striped pants) observing a large thermometer labeled with various economic and industrial terms: "Prosperity," "Business," "Confidence," "Trade," and others—all pointing downward. The caption reads: "That thermometer is still a-going down! Durn this Democratic weather, anyway!" The satire criticizes the **Democratic administration** (likely President Cleveland's) for economic decline during what appears to be the severe **Panic of 1893**. The "thermometer" metaphor represents industrial conditions and business confidence, which have plummeted. Uncle Sam blames the Democratic "weather"—meaning Democratic policies—for the economic cold snap devastating American industry and commerce.