The Wasp — 1889 — page 370: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts what appears to be a corrupt circle of political and institutional figures engaged in illicit dealings. The central scene shows various well-dressed men and women in a ring formation, suggesting collusion or conspiracy. The visible text labels "ALMS HOUSE" and references to "INSTITUTION" indicate this satirizes corruption within charitable or public welfare institutions—likely a 19th-century American scandal involving embezzlement or misappropriation of funds meant for the poor. The caricatured figures appear to represent politicians, administrators, and possibly their wives profiting from institutions ostensibly designed to help the destitute (shown at the bottom). The "ring" metaphor suggests an organized network of corruption where public resources are diverted for private gain rather than serving vulnerable populations.