The Wasp — 1879 — page 24: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a donkey carrying a "French Savings Bank" on its back, walking past "Napa" and "Stockton" toward San Francisco. A figure labeled "Half Way" points from the left. The donkey appears to represent France or French financial interests. The cartoon's title, "To the Sweet By and By," suggests ironic commentary on promises of future prosperity. The satire likely critiques French investment or financial schemes targeting California during this period, portraying them as slow-moving ("donkey") and dubious. The "Half Way" sign suggests skepticism about whether such ventures will actually reach San Francisco or deliver promised returns. This reflects late-19th-century American anxiety about foreign capital and investment practices in California.