The Wasp — 1895 — page 834: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1888 satirical cartoon depicts a Scottish figure (likely Lord Lionel Sackville-West, the British Minister) being haunted by "Banquo's Ghost"—a Shakespearean reference to guilt and consequences. The figure carries a satchel labeled "28-TEM SWITCHCASE" and holds a letter titled "The Famous Murchison Letter" dated September 13, 1882. The cartoon criticizes Sackville-West for allegedly attempting to influence American politics by writing to befriend Republican voters during his tenure as British diplomat. The "ghost" represents the scandal's return to haunt him—the letter's public exposure has damaged both his reputation and British-American relations. The wasp stinging at top reinforces the magazine's satirical attack.