The Wasp — 1895 — page 135: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a figure mounted on a horse wielding a large club, attacking large bags labeled with San Francisco institutions and their monetary amounts: "McCreery $30,000," "Hayward $50,000," "S.F. Savings Union $50,000," and "Grant $25,000." The mounted figure appears to be caricatured as a mayor or political official (referenced in the caption as "Our worthy Mayor"). The cartoon criticizes what appears to be corrupt financial dealings or embezzlement involving San Francisco's mayor and local banking/business institutions. The bags of money and the violent "assault" imagery suggest the satirist is alleging theft or misappropriation of funds. The well-dressed onlookers in top hats suggest wealthy establishment figures complicit in or observing these schemes. The overall message condemns municipal corruption and financial malfeasance during this era of San Francisco politics.