The Wasp — 1887 — page 144: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This August 26, 1887 *Wasp* cartoon satirizes a bearded political figure (left) who appears dignified and composed while a group of childlike figures (right) throw mud and dirt at him from behind a wall. The caption "Dirt That Will Not Stick" suggests the cartoon criticizes attacks against this politician—implying that negative accusations or scandals fail to damage his reputation or influence. The contrast between the composed adult figure and the crude, small antagonists suggests the cartoonist views the attacks as petty and ineffectual. Without identifying markers visible in the image, the specific politician and controversy remain unclear, though this appears to defend someone against what the cartoonist considers unfounded criticism or character assassination.