The Wasp — 1894 — page 206: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* depicts five well-dressed gentlemen in formal attire confronting a bear labeled "TRUST." One figure wears a hat labeled "GILROY" (likely a local politician). The bear clutches a document marked "TRUST," suggesting monopolistic corporate practices. The caption reads: "AT THE FAIR / FOR OUR LOCAL POLITICIANS / When will we ever be as big as these New York fellers?" The satire mocks San Francisco politicians' apparent weakness against trusts and monopolies compared to New York counterparts. The bear represents corporate trusts—the era's major political concern—while the gentlemen appear ineffectual. The caption's sarcastic tone suggests local politicians lack the power or will to combat big business as effectively as eastern rivals, making them seem ridiculous and impotent.