The Honest American Voter's Little Catechism for 1880

"The Honest American Voter's Little Catechism for 1880" by Blythe Harding is a political satire written in the late 19th century. This book takes the form of a dialogue that examines the political landscape of the time, focusing particularly on the presidential election and the workings of the U.S. government. The text likely serves as a critique of the political practices, candidates, and overall electoral process of the era. The dialogue centers around discussions between an inquisitive participant and a knowledgeable respondent, who humorously dissects the nature of American politics, touching upon figures like President Rutherford B. Hayes and the electoral processes that led to his presidency. Through wit and irony, the book critiques various politicians, including a strong emphasis on the perceived corruption within political parties, as well as highlighting the contrast between the honorable service of General Hancock and the questionable integrity of James Garfield. The overall tone reflects a deep skepticism about the motives of politicians and a call for the honest engagement of American voters in the democratic process.