Puck — January 8, 1879 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes New York City's Tammany Hall political machine and its corrupt leadership. The large central figure appears to be a Tammany boss presiding over his corrupt operation, with banners reading "Anti-Tammany" and "Board of Aldermen" visible. The left panel shows figures labeled with terms like "Illegal Fees" and "Bribery"—representing corruption endemic to Tammany operations. The upper middle cartoon depicts office holders "dancing for fat salaries" over twelve years, mocking how Tammany associates enriched themselves. The bottom panel, titled "Laborers Wanted," shows workers seeking employment, satirizing how Tammany's corruption and patronage system disadvantaged ordinary laborers while enriching political insiders. The overall message critiques Tammany's systematic exploitation and graft.