The Wasp — 1892 — page 50: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon from *The Wasp* (July 16, 1892) depicts a caricatured figure on the left holding a balloon labeled with Republican imagery, feeding dangerous animals in a cage marked "Do Not Handle Animals." The cage contains bearded men labeled as a "Happy Family," likely representing Republican political figures or factions. The satire critiques Republican leadership as recklessly dangerous—the figure is "amusing" himself by provoking wild beasts (party members or political rivals) that should not be provoked. The balloon with Capitol imagery suggests this involves federal politics and power. The title "Dangerous Amusement" suggests the cartoonist views Republican political maneuvering as irresponsibly risky, playing with forces that could cause harm. The 1892 date places this during an election year, likely addressing intra-party conflicts.