Puck — January 29, 1879 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes corruption in New York's Custom House. A rotund senator—labeled with text indicating he seeks "six years more" (likely seeking reelection)—stands atop a building's roof waving a flag marked "NICK" (possibly a person's name or slur). He asks "How will this do?" Below, three emaciated, skeletal figures support the structure on their backs, appearing to strain under its weight. These likely represent taxpayers or workers exploited by the corrupt system. The satire suggests that the Custom House—a patronage-filled institution—is built upon the backs of ordinary citizens, with corrupt officials like the senator profiting while the public suffers. The cartoon criticizes how political appointments to the Custom House enriched politicians at public expense.