The Wasp — 1879 — page 307: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a chaotic fantasy scenario about San Francisco's streetcar system. The image shows various transit vehicles (omnibuses, railway cars, underground systems) stacked and carried by struggling citizens in the streets below, who are literally bearing the burden on their shoulders. The satire critiques the city's streetcar franchise system—likely commenting on monopolistic control or unfair public burden. Signs advertising amenities like "Free Concerts," "Hot Lunch Included," and "Baths on Board" mock the companies' attempts to justify their operations or profits. The title's incomplete phrase suggests this represents a future scenario if franchise reforms don't occur—implying citizens will literally bear the transportation system's weight rather than seeing fair regulation. The visual metaphor transforms abstract corporate burden into physical, absurdist reality.