The Wasp — 1893 — page 220: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* depicts a man on his knees in prayer or despair, surrounded by legislative documents labeled "LEGISLATURE ADJOURNED." Behind him looms the State Capitol building with a queue of politicians and officials. The caption reads: "Once more the honest taxpayer gets down on his marrowbones and thanks God that the Legislature has adjourned." **The satire:** The cartoon mocks both taxpayers and legislators. It suggests that honest citizens must literally pray in relief when the legislature stops meeting—implying lawmakers primarily burden taxpayers through legislation and spending. The religious imagery of kneeling emphasizes the supposed "blessing" of legislative inaction, sarcastically suggesting that absent lawmakers cause less financial harm than active ones.