The Wasp — 1889 — page 162: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1889 *Wasp* cartoon satirizes "Boss Buckley," a political figure shown offering patronage protection. The caption reads: "Don't cry, Miss Republican; you need not look for another protector, I will take you under my wing." The cartoon depicts four figures: a woman labeled "Miss Republican" (left), a man in a top hat (center-left, likely Buckley himself), a bearded man gesturing from above, and another woman (right). The satire suggests that Buckley—apparently a Democratic political boss—is opportunistically extending protection to Republicans, implying corrupt machine politics and backroom deals rather than genuine principle. The "accommodating" title ironically suggests Buckley's willingness to work across party lines for personal or political advantage.