Judge — June 11, 1887 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, June 11, 1887 **The Cartoon:** The cover depicts two figures with exaggerated features performing as musicians with banjos, labeled "THE NEW COMBINE." The caption identifies them as "Dave Hill and Grove Cleveland in their great Double Song and Dance Act, entitled 'Harmony.'" **Context:** This appears to reference Grover Cleveland (the sitting president) paired with Dave Hill in a political satire. The "combine" suggests an unlikely or forced political alliance. The musical performance imagery—specifically the "Double Song and Dance Act"—mocks their supposed harmony, implying their partnership is mere theater or performance rather than genuine agreement. The joke targets political cooperation as hollow spectacle, using the vaudeville imagery popular in 1887 entertainment to suggest their partnership lacks authenticity.