The Wasp — 1890 — page 357: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The cartoon depicts a figure representing California as a woman being pulled apart by competing interests. The illustration accompanies an editorial opposing California's proposed division into separate states. The text argues that Californians should reject any partition scheme, framing it as a threat to the state's unity and future greatness. The author contends that division would weaken California's political power and economic influence, particularly regarding railroad development and San Francisco's position as a Pacific Coast metropolis. The satire targets what the magazine sees as an "imported scheme" promoted by "carpet-baggers"—outsiders seeking to exploit California for personal gain rather than the state's welfare. The piece emphasizes California's potential as a unified entity and warns against divisive political maneuvering.