The Wasp — 1892 — page 337: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from San Francisco's *The Wasp* magazine depicts an election-day scene (November 8th, referenced in the box at left). A well-dressed man in formal attire bows deferentially to a allegorical female figure representing San Francisco or civic virtue, handing her a ballot or voting slip. The figure wears classical robes and a sash labeled "San Francisco." The caption reads: "San Francisco (To Bosses and Hirlings) Keep Back"—suggesting the cartoon criticizes machine politics and corruption. The man appears to represent a political operative or "boss" attempting to influence or control the city through corrupt means. The satire mocks political manipulation during elections, positioning the allegorical city as needing protection from corrupt political operatives.