The Wasp — 1890 — page 291: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts two figures in cloaks observing a caricatured figure (appearing to use racist stereotyping) updating what's labeled "Buckley's Price List." The background shows a hierarchical tower of U.S. government positions, from "Poundkeeper" at the bottom to "President" at the top, with "Justice," "Supreme Court," and "Cabinet" roles visible. The satire appears to critique government corruption—specifically suggesting that political offices are being sold or traded like commodities on a "price list." The reference to "Buckley" likely indicates a specific corruption scandal or political figure, though the exact historical context is unclear without additional dating or attribution information from The Wasp magazine. The cartoon's point: government positions are corruptly monetized rather than legitimately earned.