The Wasp — 1889 — page 26: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes the replacement of public servants. On the left, three well-dressed men in suits appear gleeful, with one introducing his successor "in self-interest." On the right stands a stern-faced man labeled "Howard" holding a rifle, apparently representing an incoming official or appointee. The caption "THE CHANGE OF PUBLIC (?) SERVANTS" uses the question mark to mock the notion that these are genuine public servants—suggesting instead they're self-interested politicians. The cartoon critiques the spoils system, where political positions rotated between factions based on party loyalty rather than merit or genuine public service. The contrast between the departing officials' satisfied expressions and the armed, serious newcomer emphasizes the cynicism about these personnel changes serving only private interests.