The Wasp, 1887 · page 415 of 512
The Wasp — 1887 — page 415: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon depicts a baseball game as political allegory. The bearded figure wearing a "$" symbol bag appears to represent a wealthy businessman or financier. He's shown mid-stride attempting to "make the second" base while being challenged by another player. The crowd in the background and the formal setting suggest this represents a high-stakes competition. The cartoon likely satirizes financial or business maneuvering of the Gilded Age era, using baseball as metaphor for economic competition or stock manipulation. The title "CAN HE MAKE THE SECOND" suggests uncertainty about whether this wealthy figure can successfully complete his objective—possibly referencing a specific financial scheme or business deal of the period. The exaggerated features and "$" symbolism indicate critique of wealthy interests. Without knowing *The Wasp's* publication date, specific identification remains unclear.