The Wasp — 1879 — page 787: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical page presents multiple vignettes depicting various forms of deception and dishonesty. The central composition shows a chaotic "Frisco Dump" scene with horsemen, military figures, and civilians in disarray, suggesting political corruption or mismanagement. The scattered sketches below illustrate different scenarios—maritime fraud, circus performers, gambling, and questionable business dealings—all seemingly commentary on California's Gilded Age corruption. The recurring theme appears to be exposing swindlers, con artists, and fraudulent enterprises operating in San Francisco. Without specific OCR text visible on individual caricatures, precise identification of particular political figures remains unclear. However, the overall message satirizes widespread graft and dishonesty in civic life, characteristic of *The Wasp's* mission as a muckraking publication holding corrupt institutions accountable.