The Wasp — 1890 — page 432: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a conflict between two figures over a map of California. On the left is a creature (likely representing a newspaper or political faction) wearing monocles and formal dress, labeled as the "Southern California Editor." On the right is a winged female figure (personifying California or a particular California interest) wielding a dagger. The caption indicates the Southern California Editor is "dividing the State," while the female figure warns this is "dangerous work" and threatens harm if he continues. The satire critiques efforts to partition California—apparently a real political proposal at the time—portraying such division as reckless and potentially self-destructive. The cartoon opposes separatist ambitions through this violent clash imagery.