The Wasp — 1894 — page 100: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts what appears to be a political or social defeat, shown through fallen figures surrounded by scattered papers labeled with various issues: "Puzzle," "Alley & Smith," "Barron," "Fake," "Damnforth," and "Colima." The composition suggests a political collapse or failure, with well-dressed gentlemen (likely politicians or public figures) depicted as literally knocked down or defeated. The scattered documents represent failed initiatives or policies. The title "Another Popular Defeat" indicates this mocks a public setback or unpopular decision by those in power. Without clearer identification of the specific figures or historical moment, the exact political reference remains unclear, though the cartoon clearly satirizes political incompetence or corruption among the era's leadership.