Puck — May 1, 1878 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes the "Puck" magazine's critique of a Rivers and Harbors Bill. The image shows a figure labeled "PUCK" (left side) observing what appears to be corrupt politicians or special interests literally fighting over or dividing up resources represented by a large circular object (possibly money or appropriations). The cartoon's title suggests the bill's "true inwardness"—its hidden reality beneath public justification. Rather than genuine infrastructure improvement, the satire depicts politicians squabbling over funds for self-interested projects. The chaotic scene with multiple figures grasping and competing illustrates Puck's argument that such bills were vehicles for pork-barrel spending and political favoritism rather than legitimate public works.