The Wasp — 1878 — page 296: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This May 11th, 1878 *San Francisco Illustrated Wasp* cartoon depicts California as a classical female figure observing two roosters fighting over an egg labeled "CONSTITUTION CONVENTION." The satire references California's 1878-1879 Constitutional Convention, a contentious political event. The fighting roosters likely represent rival political factions—possibly Republicans and Democrats—battling for control over the state's new constitution. The female figure's anxious posture suggests public concern about what outcome this political struggle will produce. The cartoon's skepticism is clear: rather than statesmanship, the convention appears driven by partisan conflict, with the caption asking sardonically what positive result could emerge from such a contentious "hatching."