The Wasp — 1890 — page 502: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* contains multiple satirical scenes critiquing political figures and social issues of its era. The top panel labeled "Schmitt 'What a Coarse Surface!'" appears to mock a political figure (possibly Mayor Schmitt) examining something distasteful. The central scenes depict "Fair Louisiana" as a woman being manipulated by politicians and military figures, suggesting corruption or exploitation of the state. The bottom panel, titled "The Dear Ladies Getting Incensed—'A Decent Upon the Census Man Hardly Drinking Him Out of His Census,'" shows women confronting a census official, likely satirizing controversies around census-taking or women's political engagement. The overall page criticizes political corruption, militarism, and gender politics through exaggerated caricature and allegorical female personifications representing states or institutions.