Judge — August 26, 1882 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes the Democratic Party's delay in selecting presidential candidates. The central figure, labeled "Champion Kicker," appears to be a pugilistic character surrounded by stacks of money and surrounded by figures in the background holding flags reading "John Kelly" and "Tammany." The satire suggests that Democratic infighting—represented by the "kicker" surrounded by wealth and competing interests—prevents the party from uniting behind candidates. The background figures with Tammany Hall references indicate corruption tied to New York Democratic machine politics. The cartoon mocks the party's internal divisions and the influence of political machines and money on candidate selection, implying that "peace" (unity) remains elusive while various factions vie for control.