The Wasp — 1877 — page 318: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon contrasts two scenes of caretaking. On the left, a nurse labeled "NURSING A VIPER" tends to multiple children while holding an infant. On the right, a skeletal, demonic figure (representing a viper or evil force) cradles children while surrounded by more young dependents. The satire appears to critique the care system or treatment of children by contrasting compassionate nursing with harmful, sinister guardianship. The skeleton figure suggests death, disease, or corruption—likely referencing a specific social problem, policy failure, or corrupt institution affecting San Francisco's children in 1877. Without additional context about local controversies from that period, the precise target remains unclear, though it clearly condemns one form of child welfare as dangerous and negligent compared to proper nursing care.