The Wasp — 1887 — page 112: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a bearded man (identity unclear from visible text) in a domestic interior, surrounded by rats labeled "HAMMOND" and what appears to be "SCOTT CRIMINATION HERE" on the wall above. Shelves behind him display items marked "COLLECTING WARRANTS" and various provisions. The satire appears to target someone for harboring criminals or fugitives—the rats serving as metaphorical criminals. The "Hammond" label suggests this relates to a specific contemporary figure, likely involved in a scandal of harboring or protecting wanted persons. The domestic setting emphasizes the absurdity of someone maintaining such a household. Without additional context about The Wasp's publication date and Hammond's identity, the precise political reference remains unclear, though the cartoon's intent is clearly derisive mockery of complicity in crime.