The Wasp — 1880 — page 154: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes Irish-American political corruption, specifically Sheriff Desmond's role in a murder case. The text describes Desmond as having "assisted in the escape of some criminals from Australia," suggesting he facilitated criminal activity. The cartoon depicts well-dressed politicians ("pat-riots"—a pun on "patriots") recoiling in disgust, illustrating public outrage at judicial corruption. The caption "No Election by Order of the Court" indicates that despite claims of democratic equality, the corrupt justice system operated without genuine public input. The satire targets the hypocrisy of American equality rhetoric when political elites escape accountability through connections and bribes, while ordinary citizens face harsh treatment in county jails.