The Wasp — 1890 — page 365: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical song-page attacks "Boss Buckley," a political figure who apparently controlled Democratic votes and patronage in New York (likely William O'Dwyer era, though the specific date is unclear from the image). The cartoon depicts Buckley as a corrupt "dealer in franchises" who: - Controls Democratic voters through intimidation and bribery - Trades in political favors, school positions, and legislative influence - Demands cash payments for political appointments - Uses "lambs" (citizens) for his bidding The repeated chorus "Drill, ye Democrats, drill!" sardonically suggests Democrats mindlessly follow Buckley's orders. The satire portrays urban machine politics as systematized corruption where political power and public office are commodities for sale to the highest bidder, mocking Democratic voters as complicit or helpless participants.