The Wasp — 1891 — page 192: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* (August 22, 1891) depicts "King Sutro"—likely referring to Adolph Sutro, a prominent San Francisco businessman and politician—as a crowned, devil-horned king presiding over sea lions instead of human cabinet ministers. The document he holds outlines plans for "an aquarium" with "seals to be protected" and "mermaids to be introduced." The joke appears to mock Sutro's authority or ambitions, suggesting his "cabinet" consists of animals rather than serious political figures—implying his government or business decisions were foolish or that he was surrounding himself with incompetent associates. The sea lions' animalistic expressions reinforce the satirical portrayal of incompetence or absurdity in his administration.