Judge — July 22, 1899 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from Judge magazine (circa 1890) depicts "Dewey, Dew" — likely referencing Admiral George Dewey, whose naval victory at Manila Bay (1898) made him a celebrated American hero. The cartoon shows the President and his cabinet literally forming the letters "D-E," suggesting they've become absorbed into or are subordinate to Dewey's popularity. The imagery of figures being manipulated or transformed into letters satirizes how thoroughly Dewey's fame has dominated the political landscape. The umbrella and theatrical setting suggest the absurdity of this phenomenon. The joke critiques how even the highest government officials seem overshadowed by a military hero's celebrity, implying concerns about civil authority versus military influence in American politics during this period.