Judge — August 21, 1886 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes American foreign policy through a caricatured figure labeled "Mr. Bayar" (likely referencing a historical political figure), who adopts the persona of Uriah Heap—Charles Dickens's famously obsequious, hypocritical character known for false humility. The large figure, dressed in formal attire with a top hat, wields a shovel near what appears to be a grave or hole marked with text (partially legible). A smaller figure representing "Mr. Bull" (Britain, personified) stands nearby watching. Ships fly British flags in the background. The satire criticizes American foreign policy as deceptively humble or manipulative—presenting false modesty while actually pursuing aggressive aims. The grave imagery and tools suggest underhanded dealings or destructive intentions masked by superficial politeness, mocking the hypocrisy of American diplomatic claims versus actual conduct.