Puck — June 27, 1877 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Hanging Fire: Will It Ever Go Off?" This Puck cartoon satirizes political scandals or revelations that fail to produce consequences. The revolver's chambers are labeled with damaging disclosures: "Wrestling," "Discovery," "Disclosure," "Confession," and "Superposure" (likely "Exposure"). The ape-like figure pointing the gun asks whether it will "ever go off"—meaning whether these revelations will finally result in action or punishment. The satire suggests that despite mounting evidence of wrongdoing, nothing happens; the political "gun" remains perpetually cocked but ineffective. Without additional context identifying the specific figure or scandals referenced, the cartoon appears to criticize political immunity or the failure of revelations to produce accountability during the 1877 period.