The Wasp — 1892 — page 376: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a bearded man atop a pedestal chained to what appears to be water dispensers or fountains. The base reads "Come all ye thirsty and fill yourselves with Pollywoggs, Pure Spring Valley." The satire targets a "cold-water philanthropist"—likely someone who publicly promoted water (rather than alcohol) consumption as a moral virtue, while being metaphorically chained to this cause. The chain and restraints suggest the person is imprisoned by their own crusade. References to "Pollywoggs" (tadpoles) and "Cogswell's Institute" appear as additional satirical jabs, possibly mocking the philanthropist's actual charitable efforts or associated institutions. The cartoon ridicules what The Wasp viewed as sanctimonious temperance advocacy.