The Wasp — 1879 — page 235: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a central figure with a donkey's head being surrounded by men holding signs urging him to "vote against the Constitution" and similar anti-constitutional messages. The donkey-headed figure appears to represent voters or the electorate being subjected to persuasion. The satire criticizes political manipulation during what appears to be a constitutional debate or election. The men with signs represent politicians or agitators trying to convince the public to vote against constitutional measures, presumably for their own interests rather than the public good. The cartoon's message suggests that voters are being treated as "asses" (donkeys) and manipulated into voting against their own interests through deceptive campaigning. The title "Talking" emphasizes empty political rhetoric and persuasion tactics rather than substantive debate.