The Wasp — 1896 — page 950: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main cartoon titled "**STEAM BEER POLITICS**" satirizes San Francisco legislators' qualifications. Through a letter from "Hon. Lawrence Mulrooney," it mocks how local politicians—including those named—achieve office through patronage rather than merit. The figure depicted appears to be a caricatured politician or legislator. The text criticizes the ease with which unqualified men enter the legislature, suggesting they use questionable schemes to pass bills and secure power. References to specific individuals like "Tom O'Brien" and "Hugh Toner" indicate this targets actual contemporary San Francisco politicians. The lower cartoon shows "**Two Members of Parliament in Consultation**," likely further satirizing legislative incompetence through street-level political dealings, reinforcing the overall message about corrupt or incompetent local government.