The Wasp — 1893 — page 509: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This illustration satirizes California Republican political prospects. The central figure appears to be a woman in a dress being torn or damaged, with a man pulling at her skirt. The caption reads: "It was so awkward of Mr. Flirt to tear my dress that way in the conservatory, Marie" / "Oh! it's just like the men, m'm. Master tore my skirt just the same way last week." The satire suggests Republican male politicians are behaving badly—"flirting" and causing damage—seemingly unfit for serious office. The cartoon mocks potential Republican Senate candidates by portraying them as irresponsible men who carelessly damage women's property, using this as metaphor for their unfitness for responsible government positions.