The Wasp — 1878 — page 200: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts **"The Future of Armando, Cal. Smedberg Commanding"** — likely mocking a controversial military or political figure named Smedberg through exaggerated caricature. The illustration shows Smedberg as a tall, thin officer in an elaborate uniform surrounded by other military figures wearing top hats and formal dress, suggesting pretension and absurdity. The figures carry weapons and appear to be marching or posing ceremonially. The satire appears to ridicule Smedberg's authoritarian ambitions or his perceived incompetence in command. The "future" framing suggests the cartoonist is making a dark prediction or joke about what would happen under such leadership. The presence of a dog in the foreground adds to the comedic debasement of these would-be leaders.