The Wasp — 1879 — page 168: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a portrait of **M. Grevy, President of the French Republic**, with satirical commentary about French and American politics. The text mocks Grevy as an ineffectual leader whose main accomplishments are musical (playing the Connecticut jews-harp) and who enjoys idle pleasures rather than governance. The article contrasts him unfavorably with American presidents. The broader commentary addresses **American electoral politics**, discussing the Democratic Party's approach to candidates and policy. It satirizes how parties avoid committing to specific positions, instead nominating candidates who won't alienate voters—suggesting this allows party leadership to maintain control without democratic accountability. The satire targets both French political ineffectuality and American democratic hypocrisy regarding genuine popular representation.