The Wasp — 1889 — page 234: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This *Wasp* cartoon from April 6, 1889 appears to satirize political maneuvering around "the Solid Nine"—likely referring to a voting bloc or coalition in California politics at that time. The central image shows a horse labeled "Democracy" being ridden by caricatured figures, with one figure standing on a barrel labeled "Corruption Act" on the left. The horse carries what appears to be multiple heads or faces, suggesting competing political interests or factions riding together. The cartoon's title suggests these figures view Democracy itself as presenting no real obstacle to their political goals—they can manipulate or control it for their purposes. The overall satire critiques how political corruption and backroom dealing circumvent democratic principles, with various political actors using Democracy as a vehicle for their own advancement rather than serving genuine democratic interests.