The Wasp — 1879 — page 339: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes political corruption involving labor organizing. The text box shows Denis Kearney announcing plans to lobby for labor interests at the White House while away for six weeks, mentioning a $400 loan from a friend—suggesting financial dealings that undermine his credibility. The illustration depicts a grotesque figure (likely representing a politician or wealthy interest) manipulating a smaller figure (possibly Kearney or a labor representative) like a puppet. The "$400" label on the money bag indicates the corrupt transaction. The title suggests powerful interests ("Re[ino]"—unclear but likely a moneyed figure) are controlling labor's "greenback" (money/resources), implying that labor leaders are financially compromised and serving corporate interests rather than workers.