The Wasp — 1896 — page 344: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes a figure called "Willie" (likely a political figure of the era, though the specific identity isn't clear from the image alone) who appears to have been defrauded. The left figure, dressed as a prisoner in striped clothing, holds a record labeled "UNEQUALLED RECORD OF CRIME & MURDERS," suggesting he's a criminal. The right figure, dressed in exaggerated military or formal attire with a sword, represents the con artist who sold Willie a worthless "gold brick"—a period slang term for a fraudulent scheme where victims are tricked into buying fake gold. The small animal between them (possibly a cat or similar creature) observes the exchange. The cartoon mocks Willie as gullible for trusting an obvious criminal, suggesting political naiveté or corruption.