The Wasp — 1895 — page 193: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The illustrated cartoon depicts a figure emerging from a beer barrel, labeled "Steam Beer Politics." This appears to be satirical commentary on San Francisco political corruption or incompetence—specifically targeting someone involved in reform efforts who is hypocritically associated with questionable behavior. The accompanying text discusses Thomas Vacator, described as a "well-known blatherskite" engaged in reform politics, who was arrested for threatening a relative with a pistol. The satire suggests that reformers often lack credibility, given their own moral failings and scandals. The "steam beer" reference likely alludes to cheap, locally-produced beer—implying the political discourse is insubstantial or of poor quality. The cartoon mocks the contradiction between reformers' public righteousness and private conduct.