The Wasp — 1894 — page 368: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a bearded, aggressive military figure labeled "COMMONWEALTH" (visible at bottom). The figure wears military attire with weapons and dynamite, surrounded by text reading "COMPROMISE NOT" and what appears to be references to "BANK" and other institutions. The satire appears to criticize radical or revolutionary ideologies threatening established institutions during a period of political tension—likely referencing anarchist, socialist, or labor movement violence (the dynamite imagery is significant). The "Commonwealth" figure represents either a specific political faction or personified ideology being mocked as dangerous and uncompromising. The caption below reads "some unpleasant dreams," suggesting this represents fearful establishment anxieties about revolutionary movements. Without knowing The Wasp's exact publication date, the precise historical context remains unclear, though the imagery suggests early-to-mid 20th century American political conflict.