The Wasp — 1879 — page 834: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a tall bearded man in formal dress being attended to by several small, imp-like figures labeled as "scribes" (visible on their clothing). The figures appear to be aggressively surrounding him, holding what look like papers or documents, possibly representing journalists or political writers of 1880. The satire likely critiques how newspaper writers and political commentators of that era were pestering or hounding a prominent public figure—perhaps a politician or public official. The "temp" (temporary) reference in the title suggests these scribes represent fleeting or transient political pressures. The cartoon's overall message appears to be commentary on journalistic scrutiny or media harassment of political figures during the 1880 election period.