The Wasp — 1890 — page 300: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1890 *Wasp* cartoon depicts a bald man identified as "Bob Ferral" attempting to iron out documents labeled "Ferral's Speech in Metropolitan Jewess" and "Where in World Shall I Be?" The caption quotes Speaker Reed telling him to "Spit in that, Bobby!" The cartoon satirizes what appears to be a Congressional dispute, likely involving inflammatory rhetoric or threats made by Ferral. The ironing imagery suggests an attempt to smooth over or "press" his controversial statements. The "Democratic" iron and references to his speech suggest partisan political conflict. Without additional historical context about Ferral's specific Congressional actions or threats in 1890, the precise political dispute remains unclear, though the cartoon clearly mocks his attempts to manage or contain controversy.