The Wasp — 1891 — page 184: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a political cartoon titled "San Francisco to the Legislator." The central figure is an allegorical female representing San Francisco, depicted in classical style with long hair and draped clothing. She wears a headband labeled "San Francisco" and holds a broken chain, appearing to address the state legislature (visible as "Assembly" in the background). The caption reads: "For God's sake, gentlemen, I have just broken Boss Buckley's chain; do not turn me over to Criminals and Kelly!" The cartoon criticizes the California legislature for potentially returning San Francisco to corrupt political control—specifically to "Boss Buckley" (a notorious political boss) and someone named Kelly. San Francisco is portrayed as having just escaped their corrupt domination, pleading with legislators not to reverse that progress by handing the city back to criminal elements.