Puck — February 6, 1878 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This February 6, 1878 *Puck* cartoon satirizes political instability through a see-saw metaphor. A figure labeled "Returning Board" (likely referring to election officials determining contested results) operates the mechanism, while two groups of men appear on opposite ends—one labeled "Penitentiary" on the right. The White House is visible in the background, and a ship flies a "Penitentiary" flag. The cartoon suggests that political power is being manipulated by the Returning Board for corrupt purposes, with the implication that political rivals face imprisonment rather than fair electoral competition. This likely references post-Reconstruction era election disputes and concerns about governmental corruption during the Hayes administration (1877-1881).