The Wasp — 1880 — page 207: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon from *The Wasp* satirizes a character labeled "Hancock" (likely referring to a political figure of that era). The scene shows Hancock as a well-dressed demon or devil figure with a top hat marked "DEMON," standing near a sign reading "DIRECT TO PROSPERITY." He's attempting to lure or guide a working-class man pulling a rickshaw or cart toward this supposedly prosperous path. The caption reads: "Don't you trust yourself with that dirty blackguard, Sir, it isn't safe!" The satire appears to criticize Hancock as a deceptive political figure promising prosperity while actually leading common people toward danger or exploitation. The "demon" imagery emphasizes moral corruption, suggesting his promises are fraudulent and his true intentions malevolent toward ordinary workers.