The Wasp — 1889 — page 385: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon from *The Wasp* satirizes President Grover Cleveland's refusal to intervene in labor disputes. The central figure, labeled "DEMOCRATIC" and "REFUS[AL]," depicts a grotesque caricature riding a donkey—clearly representing the Democratic Party and Cleveland's position. On the left, two military or uniformed figures (labeled "BUCKLE" and "RANDALL") appear to be soldiers or officials requesting aid or intervention. The donkey, ornately decorated, represents the party machine. Cleveland's administration is mocked for refusing to use federal force to suppress strikes or labor unrest—a controversial stance during the turbulent 1880s-90s labor era. The cartoon criticizes Democratic inaction on labor violence and social disorder, portraying the refusal as absurdly stubborn rather than principled.