The Wasp — 1880 — page 233: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* (November 13, 1880) contains a political cartoon criticizing the Democratic Party as weakened and defeated. The illustration depicts the Democratic Party personified as a wounded, dying female figure ("Elaine"—likely referencing Tennyson's tragic character). The accompanying article condemns Democratic leadership for their electoral losses and internal corruption, describing the party as having "fought its last battle" and "fired its last gun." The satire attacks Democratic politicians for corruption, comparing them to "wire-pullers" and criticizing their reliance on backroom deals rather than principle. The cartoon suggests the party is in terminal decline, with the feminine "Elaine" metaphor emphasizing vulnerability and defeat following recent electoral setbacks during this period of American politics.