The Wasp — 1888 — page 350: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This November 3, 1888 *Wasp* cartoon satirizes military recruitment and dismissal. The central figure appears to be a rotund military officer or official, literally stuffed with medals, decorations, and insignia—representing bloated militarism or corruption. A bearded man on the left (possibly a political figure) observes skeptically, while a second man on the right gestures dismissively at the decorated figure. The title "Mustered In and Mustered Out" suggests commentary on military appointments and removals, likely critiquing how officials gained positions through patronage rather than merit. The exaggerated medals mock the absurdity of such honors. The cartoon appears to ridicule 1880s American military or political appointments during this election year.