The Wasp — 1879 — page 335: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a man in formal attire being ejected violently from a building by police or officials, while well-dressed gentlemen in top hats watch from inside. A sign reading "BANDIT POLITICIAN" hangs on the wall. The caption reads: "Oh ye thieves! ye blather-skites! ye everything that is bad! Is this the way you are leaving us out in the cold?" The satire appears to critique corrupt politicians being removed from office or power. The "bandit politician" label suggests accusations of theft or malfeasance. The onlookers' complaint about being "left out in the cold" implies those remaining resent losing access to illicit benefits or patronage that the expelled figure provided. This reflects late 19th/early 20th-century American concerns about political corruption and cronyism.