The Wasp — 1891 — page 248: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1891 *Wasp* cartoon satirizes a California state assemblyman overwhelmed by competing financial interests and legislative bills. The central figure—a man in a top hat appearing distressed—is literally surrounded by smaller caricatured figures representing various constituencies or lobbying interests. These figures hold bags marked with dollar signs and bills labeled (text partially illegible, but appearing to reference specific legislation). The caption "Gentlemen, one at a time please" suggests the assemblyman cannot manage the cacophony of demands from special interests all seeking his legislative attention and support simultaneously. This is classic Progressive-era satire criticizing corruption and the influence of money in politics—depicting how assembled representatives struggle to serve the public when bombarded by competing moneyed factions.