Judge — September 1, 1883 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "First Love" Poem with Washington Gossip Commentary The main image is an illustrated poem titled "First Love," depicting a nostalgic scene of young romance—a boy and girl in an innocent pastoral setting. The poem celebrates schoolyard affection and early courtship. Below this, the "Washington Gossip" section satirizes President Chester Arthur's cabinet appointments by listing their wealth alongside their positions. The satire's point: these officials are extraordinarily wealthy individuals (Vanderbilt worth $320 million, etc.), suggesting the administration is stacked with the richest Americans rather than merit-based selections. The gossip also mocks the irony that multiple past Presidents became wealthy *after* leaving office, while Arthur's appointees were already fabulously rich *before* taking positions—implying cronyism and that government service for the wealthy is about maintaining power rather than public service. The juxtaposition of innocent "First Love" against venal political appointments creates the satirical contrast typical of Judge magazine's social criticism.