The Wasp — 1895 — page 125: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a conversation between "Miss Smarty" and "Mr. Noodle" about currency discussions. Miss Smarty mentions that "they nearly have something to say about 16 to 1"—likely referring to the monetary debate over the silver-to-gold ratio (16:1), a contentious political issue of the late 19th/early 20th century. Mr. Noodle responds pessimistically that this ratio means "chances are 16 to 1 against Congress doing anything about it," satirizing Congressional inaction on monetary reform. The cartoon's title "A Good Guesser" sarcastically praises Noodle's cynical prediction that nothing will be accomplished—a commentary on perceived Congressional incompetence or gridlock on financial policy during this era.