The Wasp — 1891 — page 297: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* magazine depicts a large, bearded man in formal dress standing at the "State Capitol," dumping papers and documents from an overturned waste basket. A smaller figure labeled "Estee" (likely referring to a specific politician or official) stands below, examining the scattered debris. The caption reads: "Estee's search of the waste-basket produces unexpected results." The satire suggests corruption or mismanagement at the state capital—implying that incriminating documents or evidence of wrongdoing were discarded and later discovered. The cartoon mocks either Estee's incompetence (for throwing away important papers) or celebrates his investigative efforts in uncovering governmental misconduct. The Capitol building visible in the background emphasizes the political setting of the scandal.