The Wasp — 1881 — page 211: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The cartoon depicts a caricatured figure in ornate dress holding what appears to be legal documents or bills. Based on the accompanying text, this likely represents a legislator or politician involved in California's recent railroad disputes and labor conflicts. The satire criticizes efforts to resolve the "Mussel Slough" incident—a violent 1880 confrontation between settlers and railroad agents over land rights. The text mocks political figures (possibly including President Hayes) for failing to adequately punish railroad employees or grant meaningful relief to settlers, while praising reformers like Moody and Sankey for their evangelical work. The ornate costume and exaggerated posturing suggest ridicule of political grandstanding and ineffective legislative action regarding railroad corruption and settlers' grievances.