The Wasp — 1892 — page 340: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains satirical commentary on 1890s California politics, particularly Senator Mahoney's leadership of the anti-boss "Burns-Wilson forces." The left cartoon mocks art critics through a wealthy millionaire's story—he purchased worthless paintings labeled "Ruebens" and "Jablot," then declared them masterpieces, fooling society. The "Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay" poem satirizes contemporary politicians, judges, and public figures using this popular song's refrain as mockery. References include "Judge Lynch" (lynch mobs), "Machine" politics, and Colonel Robinson of Oakland. The bottom section depicts "A Rainy Morning in the Metropolis," showing wealthy commission merchants struggling in heavy rain—likely satirizing their pretensions to genteel status when reduced to common difficulties. The humor stems from wealthy figures' undignified struggles against nature.