The Wasp — 1893 — page 99: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical page presents two "local evils" requiring legislative action. The top panel shows "The Telephone Rob"—a mechanical creature with a human head stealing money from a distressed man, symbolizing predatory telephone company practices or rates. The bottom panel depicts a Savings Bank with posted notices offering "Large Deposits Solicited" and "Big Interests on Wildcat Securities." Three well-dressed men with dollar signs on their backs represent bank officials or financiers luring poor depositors (shown on the left) with false promises. The satire criticizes fraudulent banking practices and unregulated financial schemes that exploited ordinary people's savings. Both cartoons attack corporate and financial exploitation of the working poor, advocating for government regulation.