The Wasp — 1892 — page 448: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon mocks Australian ballot opponents by depicting a man decorating graves on what the caption labels "Decoration Day." The graves are labeled with Irish names (Martin Kelly, Blinker Murphy) and reference alcohol (gin bottle visible). The cartoon suggests that opponents of the Australian ballot system—a secret voting method—would need to "decorate" graves of Irish immigrants, implying their voting practices had caused deaths or corruption. The nameplate "Third St. Cabinet" and figures in a cemetery setting reinforce the dark political commentary. The satire argues that those opposing ballot reform are essentially responsible for grave matters (literally and figuratively), positioning the Australian ballot as a necessary reform to prevent harm to immigrant communities.