The Wasp — 1876 — page 34: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a text-heavy issue page rather than a cartoon page. The main article, "Carrying the South by Bayonet Force," criticizes Republican efforts to maintain control in Southern states through military force during Reconstruction. The piece attacks what it calls illegal voter suppression and challenges to Democratic voting rights in the South. Other sections announce The Wasp's sister publications (various Democratic newspapers in different cities) and note recent political controversies, including allegations against Paymaster Spalding regarding embezzlement and misconduct. The overall thrust is Democratic Party opposition to Republican Reconstruction policies and associated government corruption—typical of 1876 campaign-season partisan journalism.