The Wasp — 1895 — page 768: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical page mocks late 19th-century American political and financial figures. The central figure in the "Public Treasury" appears to be a high-ranking politician or financier being manipulated by various interests. Surrounding vignettes attack: - **"Burns Swings His Axe"**: A politician's budget cuts, criticized as superficial - **"The Octopus"**: Monopolistic corporate power strangling politics - **"The Almighty Dollar"**: Mocking wealthy interests (Olympic Club) controlling policy - **"Kier Hardie's Mission"**: Appears to satirize socialist or labor movement activism The cartoons suggest wealthy elites and corporate monopolies controlled government finances and policy, while politicians performed theatrical "cuts" that changed nothing. The "Sacred Circle" around the Treasury emphasizes protected financial interests impervious to reform.