Puck — November 5, 1879 — page 18: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Puck cartoon satirizes the difficulty of breaking corrupt political habits, titled "It Takes a Long Time to Break a Pet." The central figure appears to be a politician (wearing a hat, likely representing a specific public figure, though unclear which one) being subjected to punishment via a large club or mallet labeled "COMMON SENSE." Below, citizens/voters are shown kneeling, seemingly pleading or protesting. In the background, a "Gallery of the Clubbed" displays portraits, suggesting this is a repeated practice against multiple politicians. A sign references "Capt. Williams" and "$60,000" in "Savings for Ten Years"—likely referencing a specific financial scandal or embezzlement case. The satire suggests that despite public outcry and attempts at reform, corrupt politicians prove difficult to reform or remove from power.