The Wasp — 1890 — page 42: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon from *The Wasp* (January 18, 1890) satirizes San Francisco's newly appointed fire commissioners. The illustration shows two figures in military-style uniforms operating a fire hose amid a burning building. The exaggerated, cartoonish depiction—particularly their awkward postures and seemingly incompetent handling of the equipment—suggests the cartoonist is mocking these appointees as inexperienced or unqualified for their positions. The title's phrase "active service" appears ironic, implying these new commissioners are ineffectual despite their official duties. The text on their uniforms is partially visible but unclear. Without additional context about San Francisco's specific 1890 political appointments, the precise identities of the figures remain uncertain, though this clearly represents contemporary local criticism of municipal leadership.