The Wasp — 1892 — page 448: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical political cartoon from *The Wasp* (May 28, 1892) titled "California Curiosities, No. 6." The caricature depicts a well-dressed man with a prominent mustache standing beside a baby carriage labeled with various political terms: "Jury," "Bribery," "Solid Nine," and "Official Jobber." The caption references "Boss" Buckley's leadership and notes the design will be "painted on the back fence of the State Capitol when the Democratic Party elects Tom Clunie to the United States Senate." The satire mocks political corruption in California, suggesting Buckley's power derives from controlling juries, bribery, political machines, and patronage appointments. The baby carriage likely symbolizes these corrupt systems as Buckley's "children" or creations. The reference to future painting implies this represents predictable, inevitable corruption.