The Wasp — 1893 — page 70: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes Thomas Vacaor (or similar spelling) and his supporters as "Populists But Not Popularists." The central figure, depicted as a man being pelted by wasps and carrying various documents labeled with political records—including "Divorce Record," "Republican Record," and "Single Tax Bellows"—is shown defending his political platform with a flag reading "Pure Politics Our Boast" and "But Boodle Is Our Motto." The cartoon mocks the apparent hypocrisy of Populist politicians claiming moral purity while allegedly engaging in corrupt practices ("boodle"). The scattered documents and records suggest questionable political histories, while the attacking wasps symbolize public criticism. The caption's wordplay—"Populists But Not Popularists"—suggests these politicians lack genuine popular support despite their claims.