The Wasp — 1890 — page 189: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The cartoon depicts a chaotic scene labeled "EDITORIAL" showing what appears to be a figure being thrown or ejected amid explosive imagery and debris. Based on the accompanying editorial text, this satirizes the recent Sacramento municipal election and its aftermath. The piece criticizes Republican victory celebrations, suggesting the party is divided between old-guard politicians and newer business-minded members who care nothing for party unity or political principle. The cartoon likely ridicules internal Republican strife—specifically referencing the "Sargent campaign" mentioned in the text, which resulted in state legislative losses. The explosion imagery suggests the party is self-destructing through internal conflict rather than facing external Democratic opposition.