The Wasp — 1881 — page 490: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This *The Wasp* cartoon from June 18, 1881, depicts a woman (likely Lady Justice or Columbia, symbolizing American law/authority) presenting two options to a man labeled "Desmond": either "50 DAYS JAIL" or a "$100 FINE." The cartoon appears to reference a specific legal case or court decision involving someone named Desmond facing sentencing. The woman holds papers showing these penalty alternatives, while Desmond—depicted as a caricatured working-class man—grimaces at both undesirable choices. The satire likely critiques either the harshness of the penalties, the nature of Desmond's alleged offense, or perhaps corruption in the justice system. Without additional historical context about the specific Desmond case of 1881, the exact target of ridicule remains unclear, though the cartoon mocks the predicament presented.