The Wasp — 1890 — page 461: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical piece from *The Wasp* uses the Indian Wars as metaphor for American political conflict. The title "Slaughtering the Indians" appears ironic—the narrative actually follows a character named Mr. Smallboy through military scenes and captivity by "the Enemy." The cartoon satirizes contemporary politics, likely referencing either military campaigns or political "warfare" between factions. The exaggerated caricatures and melodramatic dialogue ("Farewell, my love!") mock sensationalized war reporting of the era. Key details: A soldier named Mr. Smallboy is captured, then reappears "a week later." The final panel shows a military camp with discussion of "Major Scare" and an "Indian"—suggesting the "enemy" may represent political opponents rather than actual Native Americans, making this political satire using frontier conflict as its framework.