The Wasp — 1887 — page 338: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon from *The Wasp* (November 12, 1887) satirizes selective law enforcement. A large man in a cowboy hat—appearing to represent a powerful political or business figure—stands with a whip between a pound wagon (left) and two smaller figures labeled "Monkey" (right). The caption's wordplay suggests that while minor offenders face consequences, more powerful wrongdoers escape punishment. The map showing "Canada" and "Mexico" hints at immigration or territorial disputes relevant to 1880s California politics. The caricatured smaller figures suggest ethnic or social stereotyping typical of this era's satirical journalism. The cartoon critiques hypocrisy in law enforcement: authorities pursue weak targets while ignoring more serious violations by the powerful.