The Wasp — 1890 — page 318: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1890 *Wasp* cartoon satirizes "Buckleyism"—described as "the Root of All Political Evil." The top panel shows a bearded man's head emerging from a lily flower, surrounded by aquatic imagery including frogs and reeds, with a Capitol building visible in the background. The bottom panel depicts the same figure partially submerged in murky water amid various objects labeled "SKULLDUGGERY" and scattered debris, suggesting corruption and underhanded dealings. The "lily" metaphor likely refers to deceptive respectability masking corrupt political practices. While the figure appears to represent someone named Buckley involved in California politics, the specific individual and his particular scandals are unclear without additional historical context.