The Wasp — 1878 — page 135: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a bearded figure (likely representing a political or social authority) operating an enormous pump or sprayer labeled as a prayer apparatus, directing streams of liquid downward onto a cityscape below. Below, three figures appear to be praying or gesturing upward. The satire critiques **excessive government intervention or bureaucratic overreach** in response to public demands. The caption suggests that prayers (petitions or requests) have been answered so thoroughly that the result has become harmful rather than helpful—"too much of a good thing." The small buildings and figures below appear overwhelmed by the deluge, suggesting that well-intentioned policies or interventions have spiraled into something destructive or oppressive.