The Wasp — 1878 — page 224: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes government institutions as a mechanical "pump" requiring constant "oil" (likely bribes or corrupt payments) to function. The main image shows a tall figure at top operating the pump while multiple smaller figures below—appearing to represent politicians or government officials—work at pumping. The teapot labeled "GOOD" represents the resource being supplied (the "oil for the pump"). A small figure on the right, drawn as an insect (fitting The Wasp magazine's satirical identity), appears to be pumping or operating machinery. The satire criticizes how government requires constant lubrication through corruption or backroom dealing to operate. The title "The Constitutional Pump" suggests the system itself—supposedly designed to serve the people—instead perpetuates graft and corrupt practices among those in power.