The Wasp — 1881 — page 330: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1881 *Wasp* cartoon satirizes opposition to personal property taxation. The central figure, labeled "Badlam" (likely a play on "bedlam"), appears to be a political opponent or official resisting the tax. He's depicted as a grotesque warrior wielding a club, surrounded by shields labeled "PRESIDENT OF NEW YORK" and references to D.O.M.U.S (possibly Democratic or official positions). The cartoon mocks his resistance as overwrought and absurd—presenting tax opposition as chaotic and foolish. The warlike imagery suggests he's fighting a losing battle against reasonable taxation policy. This reflects 1880s San Francisco political debates over how to fairly tax personal property, with *Wasp* taking the pro-taxation side against what it portrays as ridiculous obstruction.