The Wasp — December 6, 1879 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes armed civilians and law enforcement carrying concealed weapons in cities. The accompanying text argues this is shameful, stating that "every thief and black leg in this city can carry a pistol" while honest citizens cannot safely do so without legal consequences. The speaker advocates for either universal gun-carrying rights or a complete ban on concealed weapons. The cartoon depicts two elaborately uniformed military or police figures, caricatured with exaggerated features, festooned with weapons, insignia, and ornamental plumage. The phrase "harmlessly armed" is sarcastic—suggesting these pompous officials are anything but harmless despite their ridiculous accoutrements. This appears to critique Gilded Age hypocrisy regarding who could legally carry weapons and the absurdity of official versus civilian firearm regulations.