The Wasp — 1881 — page 411: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The visible cartoon depicts a figure in elaborate military or ceremonial dress, wielding what appears to be a sword or staff. Based on the accompanying article "Our Cartoons," this satirizes California's political corruption and misgovernance. The text criticizes how the state has become "tax-burdened" under Chinese immigration, legislative dysfunction, and corporate monopolies (the Central Pacific Railroad is specifically mentioned). The cartoon likely represents a political leader or the state government itself, portrayed as a pompous, incompetent figure presiding over chaos—reflecting the editorial's complaint that California is being "robbed in the tax." The satire targets legislative failure and the suffering of ordinary citizens under corrupt administration.