The Wasp — 1878 — page 156: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main cartoon depicts **McCoppin stopping "the machinery of city government"** with his "little Bill"—a satirical visual pun on what appears to be a legislative proposal. The text criticizes Mr. Duncan's conduct regarding sewer contracts and suggests he should face trial for his alleged fraud and misdeeds. The page also contains poetry sections titled "Where?" and "My Life," unrelated to the main political cartoon. **Context**: This appears to address San Francisco municipal corruption, specifically criticizing a city official (likely Mayor McCoppin) for allegedly obstructing justice and protecting another official (Duncan) involved in financial misconduct related to city sewerage contracts—a major public infrastructure concern of the era.