The Wasp — 1895 — page 435: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily a **satirical directory board** rather than a traditional cartoon. It depicts the "First Floor" of a New City building, listing various government offices (Mayor, Sheriff, Treasurer, Assessor, Tax Collector) alongside **commercial advertisements**. The satire appears to be **conflating government administration with commercial enterprise**—suggesting that public offices operate like businesses or that corrupt officials mix official duties with profit-seeking ventures. Mixed among legitimate county offices are ads for gas machines, gooseberry health tonic, Seltzer, and loans from "Uncle Mosenstein," implying that government spaces have become commercialized or that officials peddle dubious products. A figure on the right points to the board, likely representing a confused citizen or voter confronting this bewildering mix of governance and commerce. The joke critiques urban government's perceived corruption or commercialization during this era.