The Wasp — 1879 — page 283: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a classical allegorical female figure (likely representing Justice or Columbia) holding a shield labeled "COMMITTEE," appearing confident while gazing at an execution scene in the background. A large wasp looms menacingly in the upper right. The text references the "Working Men" party and sending "every officer elected by the Working Men at the last election" despite opposition from judges or courts, suggesting a power struggle over political appointments. The satire appears to critique either the Working Men's party or their opponents—portraying confidence about political changes while suggesting darker consequences loom. Without specific dating, the exact historical event remains unclear, though it concerns contested electoral authority and institutional conflict.