The Wasp — 1878 — page 239: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a classical female figure (likely representing "Public Opinion" or a similar allegorical concept) speaking to a bearded workingman. The caption reads: "PUBLIC OPINION TO HONEST WORKINGMAN: 'MY FRIEND, THOSE FELLOWS ARE SPOILING YOU—IF YOU ATTEMPT TO EAT IT.'" The satire appears to criticize wealthy industrialists or business owners ("those fellows") for allegedly corrupting or exploiting honest laborers. The workingman stands beside what appears to be a large wheel marked with text (partially legible), suggesting industrial machinery or commerce. The cartoon's message suggests that these business interests are "spoiling" (corrupting or taking advantage of) working people, warning the laborer against trusting them. This reflects late 19th/early 20th-century tensions between labor and capital in America.