The Wasp — November 15, 1879 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Done For" - Salt River Political Cartoon This satirical cartoon depicts three political figures depicted as severed heads in boxes labeled with Salt River locations (Spoonville, and Sam Till then Salt River). A fourth figure on the left—appearing to be a boatman or ferryman with a shovel—operates a steamboat marked "SALT RIVER" with a banner reading "FOR SALT RIVER DIRECT WITHOUT LANDING." "Going up Salt River" was period slang meaning political defeat or ruin. The cartoon satirizes politicians being "sent up Salt River"—politically eliminated. The severed heads suggest their political careers are finished. The steamboat captain appears to be the force sending them there, likely representing a political rival or reform movement. This appears to reference a specific electoral defeat or political purge, though the exact figures and date remain unclear.