The Wasp — 1890 — page 371: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts "Democrats Weighing In For The Next Presidential Contest." The image shows a large hand (representing the Democratic Party leadership) operating a balance scale with two figures as candidates. The upper figure sits in one pan while a smaller, thinner figure sits in the other pan below. The caption dialogue indicates debate over whether "Old Dana" has been "tampering with these scales"—suggesting accusations of manipulation in candidate selection. The White House visible in the background emphasizes the presidential stakes. The cartoon satirizes Democratic infighting over their nominee selection, depicting the process as rigged or unfair, with one candidate being artificially weighted or favored over another through party manipulation rather than genuine democratic choice.