Puck — November 6, 1878 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Puck illustration satirizes institutional corruption, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. The cartoon depicts what appears to be a government or institutional building with officials conducting shady dealings. Key elements include: - **Figures on the roof/upper level**: Appear to be officials engaged in illicit activity (possibly embezzlement or bribery) - **Lower foreground**: Common citizens observing or suffering from corruption - **The caption** "Happy idea! Ask the Janitor for the combination key" suggests that institutional wrongdoing is so pervasive that even low-level staff (janitors) are involved in or aware of the corruption The satire critiques how graft and misconduct penetrate all levels of institutions, from top officials down to maintenance workers—implying systemic rather than isolated corruption.