The Wasp — 1878 — page 120: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts an elderly bearded man with an umbrella standing amid falling coins, with the U.S. Capitol building visible in the background. The caption asks: "WHAT WILL BE THE RESULT OF THIS RAIN?" The cartoon appears to be political satire about government spending or corruption during the Reconstruction era. The "rain" of coins suggests either wasteful federal spending or illicit financial dealings. The man's ragged appearance contrasts sharply with the abundance of money falling around him, likely satirizing how ordinary citizens remained impoverished despite government largesse. The Capitol's prominence emphasizes that these financial issues originate from Congress. The specific identity of the bearded figure remains unclear without additional context, though he may represent a generic taxpayer or politician.