The Wasp — 1879 — page 814: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon titled "CAN HE DO IT?" depicts a mechanical robot labeled "GAS MONOPOLY" constructed from industrial pipes and machinery, with a goat's head as its body. The robot holds a lantern in one hand and a measuring device in the other. The satire critiques San Francisco's gas monopoly—likely the dominant utility company controlling the city's gas supply. The goat's head (suggesting stubborn obstinacy or the scapegoat) combined with mechanical parts implies the monopoly is portrayed as an artificial, inflexible entity. The question "Can he do it?" appears to challenge whether this monopoly can successfully maintain control or manage public services fairly. This reflects 1880s concerns about monopolistic corporate power limiting consumer choice and fair pricing.