Question

in
counting
there is
strength
\thats whats the matter.\
boss tweed, \as long as i count the votes, what are you going to do about it? say!\
© 1999 harpweek
explain the message that is being portrayed in this cartoon.
how do the words in this cartoon clarify the symbols?
respond in your own words using complete sentences,
proper grammar, and accurate spelling.

Explanation:

The cartoon depicts Boss Tweed, a corrupt 19th-century New York political boss, using vote-counting fraud to maintain power. The large, imposing figure symbolizes his unchecked influence, while the sign "IN COUNTING THERE IS STRENGTH" mocks how he weaponized fraudulent vote tabulation to hold control. The quote from Tweed ("As long as I count the Votes, what are you going to do about it? say I?") explicitly ties the cartoon's symbols to his real-life tactic of rigging election results to stay in power, making clear that his "strength" comes from manipulating vote counts rather than legitimate public support. The label "THE BALLOT" on the box beside him reinforces that the fraud centers on the electoral process itself.

Answer:

This cartoon conveys that corrupt political power can be seized and maintained through election fraud, specifically rigged vote counting. The words clarify the symbols by:

1. Tying the sign "IN COUNTING THERE IS STRENGTH" directly to Boss Tweed's quote, which explicitly states his power comes from controlling vote counts, framing the fraudulent tallying as his source of unchallenged influence.
2. Labeling the box "THE BALLOT" to confirm the cartoon targets the electoral process, and Tweed's large, intimidating figure visually represents the unchecked, arrogant power he gains from manipulating that process.