The Wasp — September 6, 1879 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon critiques the Women's Protective and Charitable (W.P.C.) Vigilance Committee's municipal oversight. The top panel shows "The Municipalists Safe and Hush" — officials surrounded by cannons, suggesting aggressive governance. The bottom panel depicts "The Reign of Terror" under W.P.C. control. A street scene shows the committee enforcing strict order: confiscating goods (baskets of produce), arresting citizens, and imposing martial-law-like conditions. A trolley is inspected, people huddle nervously, and a dog appears caught in the chaos. The satire suggests the committee's regulatory zeal has created an oppressive, police-state atmosphere rather than protective governance. The cartoon mocks what it portrays as excessive, heavy-handed moral policing affecting ordinary citizens' daily commerce and freedom.