Judge — March 18, 1899 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Our St. Patrick" — Judge Magazine, March 18, 1899 This cartoon depicts Admiral Dewey as a bishop-like figure labeled "Admiral Dewey," holding a torch and cross, standing triumphantly over defeated enemies. The imagery appears to reference Dewey's 1898 naval victory in the Spanish-American War's Battle of Manila Bay. The figure tramples what appear to be serpents or demons beneath his feet, likely representing Spain or Spanish colonial forces. A warship smokes in the background, reinforcing the military context. The "St. Patrick" reference plays on the saint's legendary victory over snakes in Ireland, cleverly comparing Dewey's military triumph to religious heroism. The cartoon celebrates American naval supremacy and frames imperial conquest in Christian/heroic terms typical of 1899 American triumphalism following the Spanish-American War.