The Wasp — 1888 — page 457: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a political cartoon from *The Wasp*, a 19th-century satirical magazine. The image shows a hooded figure (representing the Democratic Party, as indicated by the partial text "DEMOCRATIC PAR[TY]" at bottom) wielding what appears to be a scythe or large blade labeled "BLUEBEARD'S MARK" toward a well-dressed gentleman with a beard. The cartoon likely satirizes Democratic tactics or violence—the hooded figure suggests the KKK or similar intimidation groups, while "Bluebeard's Mark" (referencing the murderous fairy-tale character) implies the Democrats are using violence to eliminate political opponents. The gentleman being threatened appears to be the Republican target. The onlookers suggest public awareness of these tactics. The satire critiques Democratic Party violence during the Reconstruction era.