The Wasp — 1893 — page 294: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts "the wonderful office-holder who scorned a bribe," as stated in the caption. The central figure, labeled "Dr. C.A. Clinton" on a mortar/pestle in the background, is shown juggling numerous checks and financial documents scattered around him. The checks display various amounts (including $2,000, $1,000, $500), suggesting payments or bribes. The cartoon's irony mocks a California politician or official who claimed moral superiority by refusing bribes, while the visual chaos of flying money implies widespread corruption in his office or administration. The "wonderful" in the caption is clearly sarcastic—the cartoon suggests this official's resistance to bribery was exceptional enough to warrant notice, implying corruption was otherwise the norm in California government of 1893.