The Wasp — 1890 — page 356: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two satirical illustrations labeled "The Pretzel Monkey—In repose" and "The Pretzel Monkey—in action," appearing to mock an unnamed diplomat or public figure through the metaphor of a contorted, pretzel-shaped monkey. The caricatures suggest someone engaged in awkward or undignified maneuvering. The text discusses prizes for amateur photographers and diplomatic matters involving a U.S. Consul-General in Cairo and consular duties. References to "brown-squared's elixir of life" and debates about contract labor law violations suggest contemporary political controversies. The "Pretzel Monkey" likely represents a specific diplomatic figure known for compromised positions or contradictory stances, though the exact identity remains unclear from this page alone. The satire critiques perceived hypocrisy or contortionism in political behavior.