The Wasp — 1891 — page 72: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* features a biographical sketch of Shelby M. Cullom, a United States Senator from Illinois, under the heading "Our Gallery of American Statesmen: Labor and Liberty." The portrait shows Cullom in profile with distinctive facial hair. The accompanying text by Cullom himself argues for labor rights and American democratic ideals, emphasizing that the U.S. is uniquely positioned as a "peoples' government" where laborers receive better treatment than in Europe or Asia. He contrasts America's prosperity with the poverty and oppression in other nations. A separate advertisement for "Mrs. Graham's Hair Restorer" appears on the right side, promoting a hair-coloring product. The piece appears celebratory rather than satirical.