The Wasp — 1890 — page 350: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts **Columbia** (the female figure on left, labeled "California"), personifying the United States, receiving gifts from a figure representing a **Republican Congress**. The central female figure carries a ship labeled "Silver Bill," various goods (wool, wine, wheat, ham), and harbor improvements. A male bust in the background appears to represent a political figure. The caption reads: "COLUMBIA: See what a Republican Congress has done for you!" The satire appears **critical or sarcastic**—suggesting the Republican Congress's legislative achievements (particularly silver coinage policy and trade protections) are being presented as beneficial to California and the nation, though The Wasp's satirical tone implies skepticism about these policies' actual value. The specific goods referenced likely represent California's economic interests under debate in 1890 tariff discussions.