The Wasp — 1877 — page 265: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This two-panel satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* appears to critique police conduct or management. The title references a "swimming match," likely using aquatic competition as metaphor for bureaucratic struggle. The upper panel shows multiple uniformed figures (police officers) in chaotic, overlapping positions—suggesting competition, confusion, or conflict within police ranks. The lower panel depicts what appears to be the aftermath or result of this "match," with figures in various states of disarray. Without clearer identification of specific individuals or a visible publication date, the exact political target remains unclear. However, the cartoon likely satirizes either internal police department politics, corruption, or public criticism of police performance during a particular historical moment. The "swimming match" metaphor suggests competitive incompetence or institutional dysfunction.