The Wasp — 1891 — page 116: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a portrait of Hon. William B. Allison, U.S. Senator from Iowa, alongside his article titled "Should an Act Authorizing the Free Coinage of Silver be Passed by Congress?" **The Political Context:** Allison argues FOR restoring silver coinage alongside gold. He contends that fixing silver's value through law won't harm the economy—claiming it would actually stimulate business, increase labor demand, and benefit workers and farmers. **The Satire:** The accompanying caricature (by "Cogage") appears designed to mock Allison's position. The exaggerated facial features typical of period satirical cartooning suggest The Wasp editors disagreed with his pro-silver stance, likely favoring the gold standard instead. **Historical Note:** This reflects the intense 1890s "Free Silver" debate between those supporting bimetallism (silver + gold) versus gold-standard advocates—a major political dividing line of that era.