The Wasp — 1893 — page 230: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This March 25, 1903 *Wasp* cartoon satirizes Republican political leadership during the Theodore Roosevelt era. The title "The Republican Moses" and subtitle "The latest important discovery among the political bulrushes" reference the Biblical Moses found in reeds—suggesting Republicans have "discovered" a new leader. The cartoon depicts a figure in a basket labeled "SUGAR" being pulled from water by multiple men with mustaches (caricatured politicians). References to "QUINN," "MARTIN KELLY," and "REPUBLICANS" appear on various elements. The satire appears to mock Republican infighting or the elevation of a particular candidate through party machinery, with "sugar"—likely referencing either corruption or economic policy—as the vehicle. The drowning/rescue scene suggests desperation or manipulation within party politics.