The Wasp — 1880 — page 251: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes a political figure (depicted as a donkey—the traditional symbol of the Democratic Party) announcing his retirement from politics. The text criticizes this unnamed politician for abandoning public service due to pressure from constituents and logic, rather than principle. The satire suggests the figure was an incompetent fool who, despite his self-importance, failed to serve the public interest. The cartoon's message appears to be mocking both the politician's decision to leave and his general unfitness for office. The donkey imagery reinforces this criticism, equating the politician with stubbornness and stupidity—common 19th-century satirical tropes. The accompanying text celebrates his departure as beneficial to the state.