The Wasp — 1880 — page 263: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a satirical scene of what appears to be corrupt or incompetent officials. The image shows figures emerging from or associated with a large pipe or conduit labeled "MOONEYS & SANKEYS" (likely referencing real individuals or entities of the era). A well-dressed man at the top appears to be a political figure or authority, while below him is a crowded mass of caricatured men in various states of distress or chaos, suggesting either corruption, mismanagement, or criminal activity being exposed. The text references "XICRUL[?]IV MEINMEIL AO" (OCR unclear) and indicates this critiques some form of systemic problem or scandal involving named parties. Without clearer text or publication date, the specific figures remain uncertain, though the cartoon unmistakably mocks official corruption or incompetence.