Puck — June 25, 1879 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Colonel or Hash Miller?" - Analysis This page is primarily **text content** rather than illustrated cartoons. The main article is a letter to Puck's editor discussing Colonel Austen of the 13th Regiment, N.G.S., N.Y. The writer critiques the Colonel's leadership, alleging he ignored soldiers' complaints after returning from Montreal and failed to enforce proper military discipline. Specific complaints include officers refusing to cut their hair to regulation length and showing "insubordination." The satirical point appears to be **mocking Colonel Austen's ineffective command**—the headline's pun "Hash Miller" suggests he's made a "hash" (mess) of his duties. The letter sarcastically questions whether he has the competence for his position, using detailed anecdotes of his failures to ridicule his authority. The remainder of the page contains miscellaneous humor items and advertisements typical of Puck magazine.