The Wasp — 1893 — page 395: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a violent confrontation between what appears to be a police officer or authority figure and a person, with the caption "HE WAS ON DUTY." The accompanying text below presents a dialogue between a driver and another person, discussing a grocery wagon and a football game. The driver mentions being "a-drivin' a grocery wagon" and references getting "off to see the players order for dinner," suggesting this scene relates to someone neglecting responsibilities for leisure activities. The satire likely critiques officials or workers who abuse their authority or abandon duties—in this case, someone claiming to be "on duty" while actually engaged in violence or misconduct. The juxtaposition of the brutal image with the mundane conversation about groceries creates darkly humorous commentary on corruption or abuse of power.