The Wasp — 1881 — page 417: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* depicts a demon-like figure directing three men riding an elephant labeled "THE NEW CONSTITUTION." The elephant carries baggage marked "BLIND GRABBERS" and "THE POOR MUSSEL SLOUGH" (likely referencing the Mussel Slough land dispute). Labels on the elephant include "SANTA CLARA COUNTY." The demon appears to represent corruption or malevolent influence steering these political figures toward problematic ends. The text "WHEN WILL..." at the bottom suggests the cartoon questions when this corrupt direction will stop. The imagery satirizes how powerful interests manipulated California's new constitution and land policies to benefit wealthy individuals ("grabbers") while harming poor settlers and communities. The cartoon criticizes collusion between political leaders and corrupt forces in constitutional matters.