The Wasp — 1892 — page 336: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical composite titled "California Curiosities No. 1," featuring a large central figure labeled "Our cosmopolitan Mayor in his lightning change act for applause—and votes." The central caricatured man appears to be San Francisco's mayor, depicted in formal dress. Around him are smaller vignettes showing him in different guises or positions, labeled with dates (July 14th, July 4th, Kaiser's Birthday, Columbus' Anniversary, March 17th, etc.). The satire mocks the mayor for constantly changing his public persona and positions to appeal to different constituencies and ethnic groups—German, American, Italian, Irish communities—purely for electoral applause and votes. The "lightning change act" compares his political flexibility to a theatrical quick-change performance.