Judge — April 4, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Political Chameleon" (Judge, April 4, 1885) This cartoon satirizes a politician who changes his positions and appearance opportunistically—like a chameleon changing colors. The figure sits surrounded by different coats and uniforms hanging above, each labeled with different political affiliations or causes. Various vessels and items on the table appear to represent different political "flavors" or positions he's adopted. The caption reads: "Many coats, but the same old Schurtz"—likely referencing Carl Schurz, a prominent 19th-century German-American politician known for shifting between parties (Republican, Liberal Republican, Democrat) and causes throughout his career. The satire mocks inconsistency and political opportunism—the accusation that despite adopting different rhetorical positions, the underlying character remained unchanged and self-serving.