The Wasp — 1879 — page 424: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon titled "Considering the Source" depicts a confrontation in the California Assembly. According to the text, Tyler—identified as "the gentleman from San Francisco"—is being challenged about his citizenship and legitimacy. An Irish-American speaker (Braunhart) accused Tyler of not being a "true American," claiming Tyler wasn't born in Judea and therefore cannot claim authentic roots. The cartoon shows a bearded man seated next to a mule labeled "THE TRUTH," suggesting that Tyler's accusations lack credibility. The mule, a traditional symbol of stubbornness and obstruction, implies the opponent's argument is baseless. The satire mocks nativist arguments about who qualifies as a "true" American, particularly targeting anti-immigrant or anti-religious prejudice of the era.