The Wasp — 1879 — page 628: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a military officer with an exaggerated beard and ornate uniform attempting some form of drill or training exercise. The accompanying text lists absurd military commands and calls ("Chief cook," "Stunning-man," "Come-on-dear," "Kall-hog," etc.), suggesting incompetence or confusion in military discipline. A small animal (possibly a bear or similar creature) perches atop the officer's head, further emphasizing ridiculousness. The "Guard House" visible in the background suggests military authority or discipline. The satire appears to mock either a specific military officer's leadership abilities or, more broadly, military ineffectiveness and poor command structure. The cartoon plays on the contrast between the officer's formal military dress and his evident inability to maintain proper order or control—the "drill" being a complete failure.