Judge — October 25, 1884 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A Mutual Admiration Society, Pro Tem." This October 1884 cartoon satirizes political rivals displaying false friendship. The three caricatured figures with exaggerated features embrace while wearing decorative ribbons and bows, suggesting performative celebration. The text beneath mocks their insincere admiration: politicians praising each other publicly while harboring private contempt. The references to "Dana loves Butler, and Butler loves Kelly" and "The love is mutual, we'll swear" indicate these are likely prominent political figures of the 1884 election period. The stomach medallions showing additional faces suggest the hypocrisy runs deeper—hidden agendas beneath surface cordiality. The artist (Hamilton, signed lower right) critiques the performative nature of political alliances, where rivals temporarily embrace for tactical advantage during campaign season, then presumably return to opposition.