The Wasp — 1895 — page 75: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a fly entering what appears to be a wealthy household's china cabinet or display room. The fly carries a sign reading "THERE IS NO FLIES ON ME," a period slang phrase meaning "I'm clever/sharp." The cabinet displays various decorative plates and vessels labeled with terms like "NEPOTISM," "SINECURE," and "POLICE COMMISSIONER"—references to corrupt government practices and patronage appointments. The cartoon satirizes how corruption ("flies") infiltrates elite institutions despite claims of integrity. The fly's boastful assertion contradicts the visual evidence of governmental malfeasance surrounding it. This likely critiques San Francisco or American political corruption of The Wasp's era, targeting nepotistic appointment practices and abuse of public office for personal gain.