Judge — June 15, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

**The Cartoon:** This political satire, titled "Under False Colors," depicts a figure in military dress and top hat standing among fallen bodies. The caption states: "The noble cause of Irish freedom is retarded and disgraced by such deeds as this; and the assassin is repudiated by every good Irishman." **The Meaning:** The cartoon criticizes violence committed in the name of Irish independence. The military figure appears to represent someone claiming to act for Irish freedom while perpetrating murder. The satire suggests that such violent tactics—likely referring to terrorism or assassination campaigns of Irish nationalist movements—actually harm the cause they purport to serve and are rejected by respectable Irish people. The work reflects 1880s debates about political violence and Irish-American activism.