The Wasp — 1889 — page 305: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a giant octopus-like creature labeled "The Devil Fish" ensnaring various human figures. The visible text references "Boss Buckley's rapacious" activities, suggesting this attacks a political boss named Buckley (likely William O'Connell Buckley or similar corrupt machine politician). The octopus's tentacles trap small human figures representing citizens or institutions, symbolizing how a political boss controls and exploits the community through corruption. One trapped figure holds a "House of Correction" sign, suggesting the cartoon critiques both criminal corruption and the punishment systems. The imagery visualizes the pervasive, strangling grip corrupt political machines held over cities—a common Progressive Era criticism of urban political bosses who operated through bribery, patronage, and intimidation.