The Wasp — 1879 — page 179: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts Lady Liberty (the female figure in classical dress) examining a large wheel labeled with various political scandals and issues: "BOODLING MEN," "HALF MILLION FRAUD," and "ELECTION FRAUD." The wheel appears part of the "REPUBLICAN PARTY" machinery (visible on the device). The caption "A new wheel needed—which shall it be?" suggests the Republican Party's political apparatus is broken and corrupted, requiring replacement. The elaborate mechanical device represents the party's infrastructure, now portrayed as malfunctioning due to fraud and corruption. This likely critiques late 19th-century Republican Party scandals, though without a publication date, the specific incidents cannot be confirmed. The satire argues the party needs fundamental reform.