The Wasp — 1891 — page 449: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* depicts a traveling show or carnival featuring caricatured figures labeled "Minstrел" and "What Is It?" The central figures appear to be political or social personalities portrayed as circus attractions on wheeled platforms. A child character labeled as a "Gambler" is shown in the foreground. The partially visible caption references "proprietors of Kearny and Market street cigar stores" and "brazen cattle which now infest your place," suggesting critique of specific San Francisco businesses or individuals. The "minstrel" reference likely invokes contemporary entertainment debates, while the "What Is It?" label—referencing P.T. Barnum's famous freak-show performer—implies the subjects are being mocked as curiosities or frauds. The overall satire positions these figures as ridiculous public spectacles worthy of contempt.