The Wasp — 1881 — page 498: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Wasp magazine cartoon satirizes political corruption and the flow of money through illegitimate channels. The central image shows a large pipe labeled "HIGGINS AND CANNONS DIVVY" funneling money downward through "CONTRACT RINGS" to politicians in top hats below. The composition depicts wealthy industrialists or corrupt businessmen (Higgins and Cannons, presumably real figures) operating a system that distributes bribes or illicit payments to political figures. The machinery imagery on the left suggests industrial interests manipulating government. The bottom panel shows multiple politicians eagerly receiving these payments, illustrated as money literally flowing into their pockets. The title "ALL MONEY GOES" suggests criticism of how campaign funds or political contributions were being distributed corruptly during this era. The cartoon critiques the symbiotic relationship between business interests and elected officials.