The Wasp — 1880 — page 169: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **text and advertising** rather than a political cartoon. The main editorial content criticizes both major parties' claims to reform, particularly attacking Republicans for their "spoils system" (patronage corruption) while arguing Democrats are equally corrupt. The few small illustrations are generic decorative elements—a broom advertisement and a sketched face accompanying a column titled "LIE DOWN!"—rather than satirical political cartoons. The editorial argues that both parties attract corrupt politicians and that meaningful reform requires voters to reject partisan loyalty. The "spoils system" reference was a major 1880s political issue involving government jobs awarded as political rewards rather than merit. No specific named figures appear in this page's political commentary.