The Wasp — 1892 — page 438: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes Australian politics regarding the ballot law. The central figure is a large wasp containing a grotesque human head, labeled with "EXTERMINATOR" and what appears to be "BOSS KELLY" and "BOSS" references. Smaller human figures surround the creature, including one labeled "AUSTRALIAN STEAMER." The caption reads: "A HOPELESS TASK. The disgusted politicians are already trying to get rid of the Australian Ballot law, by agitating the question of repeal." The cartoon critiques politicians' attempts to overturn Australia's ballot reform through the wasp metaphor—suggesting their efforts to eliminate the law are as futile as eliminating a wasp. The "bosses" depicted appear to represent political machine operators threatened by secret ballot reforms that reduced their control over voting.