The Wasp — 1879 — page 431: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon mocks Democratic Party celebrations of Independence Day. The banner references the "Democratic Party" and mentions Jefferson and Jackson as founding advocates of "glorious principles." The procession is led by a figure carrying a gin bottle, suggesting the cartoonist associates Democratic patriotism with drunkenness rather than genuine civic virtue. Multiple top-hatted gentlemen march behind, appearing ridiculous and affected. The imagery implies Democrats are hypocrites—claiming patriotic lineage from Jefferson and Jackson while actually embodying vice (alcohol) and empty pretense. This appears to be partisan Republican propaganda from the 19th century, using visual mockery to suggest Democrats don't truly represent American ideals despite invoking the nation's founders.