Political Machines Answers

Thomas Nast is conveying that Boss Tweed and the Tweed Ring are corrupt and are exploiting New York City for their own personal gain rather than serving the public. The cartoon suggests that their political corruption has effectively killed important virtues such as law, liberty, and justice. Furthermore, Nast indicates that the members of the ring are simply waiting for the public outcry and criticism to pass, like a storm, so they can continue their corrupt activities without being held accountable.