The Wasp — 1896 — page 408: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon titled "The Wasp" depicting political patronage and corruption. A caricatured man with distinctive facial features holds a sign listing "Jobs for Friends and Relatives," including positions at Harbor Commission, Water Front, Guard, Alms House, Prison Commission, and Board of Health—described as a "FAT JOB." Below him lies a dead wasp, suggesting he's eliminated a rival or obstacle. The caption references "Jimbudd of Stockton" lops off "another head" while "the official block awaits another victim, whose removal will make place for some hungry Democratic office seeker." The cartoon satirizes Democratic Party cronyism and nepotism—the practice of distributing government positions to connected individuals rather than qualified candidates. It's a scathing critique of political corruption through patronage.