The Wasp — 1892 — page 356: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes the state's editorial leadership, specifically "Our Blithering Editor Endangering the Commonwealth." The caricatured figure operates a dangerous mechanical device—a printing press labeled "B.C. 436"—that functions like a bomb or weapon, with a large spherical explosive attached. Papers labeled "Morning Call" scatter about, suggesting newspaper operations. The surrounding elements include rats, a "Holy Bible," and scattered documents, implying corruption or chaos. The machinery appears unstable and dangerous, suggesting the editor's reckless journalism threatens California's stability. This appears to be critical commentary on a specific newspaper editor's inflammatory or irresponsible editorial practices during this 1892 period, though the specific individual and publication require additional historical context to identify with certainty.