The Wasp — 1877 — page 151: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1877 San Francisco cartoon satirizes the Board of Supervisors' alleged corruption and wasteful spending. The figure on the left, labeled "Public Opinion" with a "taxpayer" head covering, confronts a classical female allegorical figure (likely representing San Francisco or justice) hawking toys—symbolizing frivolous or worthless projects—for "$5,000 up to $5,000,000." The satire attacks how supervisors sold expensive municipal projects to connected interests. The basket of dollar-labeled "toys" and the figure's decorated appearance suggest the board dressed up wasteful spending in respectable language. Public Opinion's shocked expression conveys popular outrage at perceived governmental theft. The cartoon mocks both the board's brazen corruption and their contempt for taxpayers.