The Wasp — 1892 — page 365: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a nighttime political gathering, likely referencing a specific late 19th-century American political event. The visible text mentions "Jerry Lynch and Biddy," "Will forget the past," and "Steve White will lift," suggesting these are local or regional political figures, though their identities aren't immediately clear to modern readers. The scene mocks politicians as corrupt operators—men in formal dress exchanging money or bribes while crowds gather. The banner references "propose" and "Roosevelt," possibly satirizing political proposals or Theodore Roosevelt-era politics. The verse below critiques how politicians use violence ("pistols, knives and clubs") and complaints to manipulate voters, suggesting the cartoon attacks political corruption, vote-buying, and deceptive campaign tactics of its era.