The Wasp — 1890 — page 218: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains theatrical and social commentary rather than political cartoons. The main feature is "The Boss Blood-Sucker," criticizing the Louisiana Lottery Company as exploitative. The cartoon depicts a woman asking a man what he represents, with him responding he represents "the rights of women" in an "intellectual costume ball." The accompanying illustrations show theatrical scenes, likely mocking the Kendal acting company and their productions. The text attacks the Louisiana Lottery as a financial scam, noting it extracts $250,000 annually from the country while returning minimal winnings. The article argues the lottery preys on poor people's desperation for wealth, likening it to a "blood-sucker" that drains money from investors without fair return.