The Wasp — 1876 — page 58: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon about a Port Collector-Sergeant's appointment to the Custom House. The two panels show the same figure in contrasting circumstances: **Left panel**: Before appointment—the man sits on a barrel labeled "TARIFF," appearing anxious or distressed, suggesting financial hardship. **Right panel**: After appointment—the same man stands confidently at the Custom House in formal dress with a cane, now prosperous. The caption's phrase "STOGOS did it" suggests this appointment was influenced by someone named Stogos or a political patron. The satire criticizes how government positions provided sudden wealth and social elevation to appointees, implying the custom house post was a patronage reward rather than merit-based selection—a common political criticism of the Gilded Age.