The Wasp — 1890 — page 352: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a bearded man (likely a political figure of the era) using a telescope to observe the Pacific Coast. The caption reads: "CALIFORNIA: PLEASE LOOK AT THE PACIFIC COAST, MR. PRESIDENT, THROUGH THE OTHER END OF THE TELESCOPE." In the foreground, small figures near San Jose appear distressed or in difficulty. The cartoon's meaning inverts the telescope's perspective—suggesting the President is looking the wrong way or deliberately ignoring California's problems. The "other end" reversal is a common satirical device implying the President's vision is backwards or his priorities misaligned. Without additional context identifying the specific President or California crisis referenced, the exact political complaint remains unclear, though it criticizes federal neglect of Pacific Coast issues.