The Wasp — 1876 — page 55: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This article critiques the Republican party's "Know-Nothing" faction and their anti-foreign sentiment, particularly targeting Irish and German immigrants. The text argues that the party's leaders, "especially directed against the Irish and the Dutch," used xenophobic rhetoric to gain support. The satire attacks the hypocrisy of American nativism: these foreigners built America's infrastructure ("Young Men's Christian Association Building"), yet faced hostility. The article sarcastically notes that immigrants should be welcomed since they strengthen the nation through labor and commerce. The piece advocates for political inclusion of foreigners and criticizes the Republican party for scapegoating immigrant communities to consolidate power. It's a defense of immigrant rights against 1870s-era anti-foreign political movements.