The Wasp — 1893 — page 160: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts **William Ewart Gladstone** (the bearded figure being held aloft), the British Prime Minister. The title references both his surname and the question of Irish home rule—a major political controversy of his era. The imagery suggests Gladstone is being manipulated or controlled by Irish interests (represented by the figures handling him). The cartoon appears to satirize concerns that Gladstone's support for Irish self-governance made him a puppet of Irish political forces rather than an independent leader acting in Britain's interests. The "dry" versus "Saint Patrick's Day" contrast likely plays on temperance debates and Irish stereotypes common to period political satire. The cartoon expresses skepticism about Gladstone's Irish policies.