The Wasp — 1892 — page 443: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts two grotesquely caricatured figures in what appears to be a conversation about San Francisco politics. Based on the accompanying article text, this relates to a proposed railroad scheme and Board of Supervisors elections. The "Lend Me Your Ear" title suggests a plea for attention or support. The exaggerated facial features and the overall tone indicate these are politicians or business figures being mocked for proposing what the magazine considered a corrupt scheme—likely involving bribes ("a collar button") and fraud related to a transcontinental railroad project. The satire targets the willingness of San Francisco's political establishment to be swayed by questionable financial incentives, portraying them as greedy and easily manipulated.