The Wasp — May 1, 1880 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Un-Try at Drill" This satirical cartoon mocks military incompetence or poor training discipline. The central figure is a bearded military officer in uniform with epaulettes, appearing to conduct or oversee drill exercises. A bear sits atop his head as a hat, suggesting absurdity or chaos. The caption text lists various animals and sounds—"Chief cook," "Shunning-man," "Rail-hog," "Call-on-hall," "Trumpet Call," "Whiskeyed Cat," "Boar," and "Beer-stickler"—which appear to be mocking military ranks or drill commands rendered as animal noises, emphasizing disorder rather than proper military procedure. The "Guard House" visible in the background suggests military discipline is breaking down entirely. The satire critiques either incompetent military leadership or the general chaos of a particular military organization or training exercise.