The Wasp — 1879 — page 439: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration from *The Wasp* titled "Perkins, Republican Nominee for Governor." The cartoon depicts a bearded man in sailor's attire holding a document labeled "Book Herewith and [Industry?] Complaint." He wears a Scotch cap and striped shirt, posed in a theatrical stance against a maritime background with sails visible. The satire appears to target Perkins as the Republican gubernatorial candidate, likely mocking either his qualifications, background, or platform promises. The sailor costume suggests ridicule of his character or credentials. The document he holds—partly readable—seems central to the joke, though the full text is unclear in this reproduction. Without additional *Wasp* context or California political history from this era, the specific complaint or criticism remains partially obscure.