The Wasp — April 24, 1880 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Pet Ped-Liars" This cartoon satirizes political corruption through the metaphor of a puppet show. A large bearded figure (labeled "KELLY" on his hat) operates a platform of smaller puppet-like politicians. The sign he holds reads "YOU BUY YOUR VOTES / HOW YOU LIKE / YOUR CHOICE?" — suggesting vote-buying and electoral manipulation. The smaller figures appear to represent various political operatives or candidates, depicted as grotesque caricatures controlled by the central "Kelly" figure. The title "Pet Ped-Liars" (playing on "peddlers") suggests these are fraudulent politicians who peddle influence and lies. The cartoon criticizes political machine control and corruption, wherein one powerful figure manipulates lesser politicians like puppets, implying they lack autonomy and serve corrupt interests rather than constituents.