The Wasp — 1896 — page 244: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts what appears to be a public health or sanitation crisis. A group of well-dressed men (likely government officials or politicians) observe while a worker applies "chloride of lime"—a disinfectant—suggesting they're addressing unsanitary conditions or disease outbreak. The skeleton and death imagery in the background indicates the cartoon criticizes governmental negligence or delay in implementing necessary public health measures. The title "Now in Order" suggests bitter irony: authorities act only *after* the damage is done. The three "Exhibits" posted on the wall likely reference evidence or documentation of the crisis. The scattered papers and barrel suggest chaos and hasty remedial action. The cartoon likely critiques political inaction on sanitation during a specific public health emergency, though the exact historical event remains unclear without additional context.