The Wasp — 1881 — page 270: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This April 1881 *Wasp* cartoon satirizes what appears to be a political or social scandal involving "Uncle Harris" (visible on the mantelpiece). The central image depicts skeletal, demonic figures—likely representing corruption or moral decay—engaged in what seems to be a damaging revelation or collapse ("bed rock" suggesting reaching the bottom). The grotesque skeleton figures with exaggerated features appear to mock specific political opponents, though their exact identities require additional historical context beyond what's visible. The flying creatures above and the overall hellish atmosphere suggest the cartoonist views the subject matter as deeply corrupt or scandalous. Without clearer identification of "Uncle Harris" or the specific 1881 San Francisco political context, the precise target remains unclear.