The Wasp — May 8, 1880

# The Wasp, May 8, 1880: "The Result of Aim" This page shows two portrait cards labeled "I'm Kallock" and "Charles De Young," identified as the caption's point: "The Result of Aim." The satirical title suggests this references a shooting incident between these two men. The cards appear to be playing cards or similar items, presented as if they're trophies or evidence. The accompanying text mentions the publication's San Francisco office and Sacramento recording, indicating this was a local California scandal. Without additional context, the exact incident remains unclear, but the presentation suggests the magazine was satirizing a notable confrontation—likely a duel or violent dispute—between these two figures prominent enough to warrant public ridicule in this satirical publication.

# Analysis of The Wasp, May 8, 1880 The page's main illustration is a small cartoon at the top showing a wasp, the magazine's mascot and logo. The bulk of the page contains editorial and literary content rather than political satire. The "Five Cent Squabble" column criticizes San Francisco's cable car system—specifically complaining about bogus companies monopolizing routes, poor passenger treatment, and unsafe conditions. The piece satirizes the lack of accountability and suggests passengers have no remedy for poor service. The second article, "Irreverend Mike De Young," appears to be a response to a libel case involving the *Chronicle* newspaper and the De Young family, discussing accusations and legal proceedings. The bottom section contains a humorous personal letter titled "Mike in Paris," describing fashionable Parisian life and Chinese luxury hotels. This issue focuses on local San Francisco grievances and personal satire rather than national politics.

# "The Gorilla When Angered" This page features a satirical illustration depicting a gorilla in a threatening pose surrounded by tropical vegetation. The accompanying text discusses Rev. I.S. Kalloch, Mayor of San Francisco and "father of the murderer," and references a murder case involving the "irreverend M. H." and Chinese Consul Mr. Bee. The cartoon appears to use the gorilla image as a racial caricature, likely associating certain individuals or groups with animalistic behavior—a common (and deeply offensive) satirical tactic of 19th-century American publications. The text mentions murder, bail, and inflammatory rhetoric about "working classes" and "San Francisco," suggesting commentary on a specific violent incident and subsequent legal proceedings, though the exact historical event requires additional context to identify precisely.

# Analysis of The Illustrated Wasp, Page 660 This page contains no political cartoon. Instead, it features three text sections: 1. **"Open Letter from Mr. Salmi Morse"** — a complaint about the Board of Supervisors rejecting a play called "The Passion Play," which Morse defends as religious education rather than blasphemy. 2. **"Curious Papers Without Heading"** — philosophical commentary on unbelievers and religious hypocrisy, arguing that atheists are "selfish individuals" who ignore morality. 3. **"I. M. Kalloch, the Murderer of De Young"** — apparently covering a criminal case involving someone named Kalloch and a victim named De Young, with references to coroner proceedings. The page is primarily text-based satire and commentary rather than illustrated cartoons.

# The Illustrated Wasp, Page 661 This page primarily contains theatrical reviews rather than political cartoons. The main illustration is labeled "How Comets Come It!" and depicts a comet's tail, accompanying an article about the anticipated appearance of a comet in 1843. The text discusses stage performances, particularly praising actor James O'Neill's success in the play *Richelieu*, and reviewing other theatrical productions like *Narcisse* and *Tivoli*. There's also discussion of a "Brain Protection" Congress organized in 1878 to advocate for an anti-piracy law. The only cartoon element is the comet illustration, which appears to be a lighthearted visual joke supporting the celestial phenomenon discussion rather than political satire. The page functions primarily as entertainment and theater criticism rather than social commentary.

# Analysis of The Wasp Page 662 This page contains three literary pieces—"Nil Desperandum," "Cast Away Genius," and "Sweetheart"—alongside a two-panel cartoon titled "Before and After." The bottom cartoon appears to satirize the effects of alcohol consumption. The left panel ("Sup-Port") shows a man cheerfully drinking wine, while the right panel ("Sup-Herb") depicts him in a deteriorated state, appearing ill or hungover. The visual pun plays on "sup" (to take supper/drink) combined with herbs, suggesting remedies for intoxication. The literary content emphasizes perseverance through hardship and romantic sentiment, contrasting with the cartoon's darker commentary on vice. The overall page mixes inspirational verse with satirical critique typical of 19th-century American magazines.

# Analysis of The Illustrated Wasp Page 663 This page is primarily **text-based satirical commentary** rather than political cartoons. The main content consists of short, biting definitions and social critiques in the style of a satirical dictionary. The central illustration shows a **donkey or mule figure**, labeled "Expire—charcoal," though its specific satirical target is unclear from context alone. The text attacks various targets including: - **Cuba and Spanish colonial governance** (criticizing American involvement) - **Railroad monopolies** and their political influence - **British imperialism** and German militarism - Various social hypocrisies (wealth inequality, political corruption) The format mimics dictionary entries with humorous definitions meant to expose what the magazine saw as society's absurdities and injustices. The tone is consistently acerbic and left-leaning, targeting concentrated wealth and imperial power structures of the era.

# "1878-79 Overbearing Bulls and Bears" This financial satire depicts stock market speculation during 1878-79. The caricatured figures—appearing as anthropomorphic bears and bulls in formal dress—represent speculators at the Merchants Exchange. They carry bags of money labeled with dollar amounts ($15,000, $10, etc.), satirizing their aggressive trading activities. The "Money Loaned on Stocks" sign references margin lending, where brokers lend funds for stock purchases. The cartoon criticizes the era's speculative excess and financial recklessness. "Bulls" (those betting prices would rise) and "bears" (betting prices would fall) are shown as greedy, overzealous traders dominating the exchange. The composition suggests chaos and excess—exactly the kind of market volatility and speculation that concerned 19th-century satirists and reform-minded observers.

# "1879-80 Bare Bears and Bulls" This financial satire depicts the stock market turmoil of 1879-80. The figures are anthropomorphized as animals engaged in financial speculation: - "Bears" (those betting on price declines) and "Bulls" (those betting on rises) were common Wall Street terminology - The central figure on crutches appears injured or weakened, suggesting financial losses - The cityscape background (likely San Francisco, given *The Wasp* magazine's origin) grounds this in local markets - The handwritten note "No Money Loaned on Stocks" references credit restrictions during market volatility - The spheres in the upper right may represent market bubbles or speculative assets The cartoon mocks investors hobbled by market downturns and the precarious nature of speculation during this economically unstable period.

This page contains no political cartoons. Instead, it presents "Phases of History Not Generally Given in Detail," a written satirical essay by Mr. Balmi Morse for The Wasp magazine (continued from a previous issue). The text humorously describes life in "an old English town," detailing mundane Victorian-era activities: market day commerce, social gatherings, domestic scenes, and local characters. The satire appears gentle rather than pointed—mocking everyday pretensions and provincial life through exaggerated, colorful descriptions of townspeople, their occupations, and social rituals. The piece concludes with unrelated anecdotes about stamp collecting and workingmen's regulations, suggesting this is a serialized humor column rather than political commentary.

# "The Illustrated Wasp" - Page Analysis This page contains a letter column ("My Dear Grandma") discussing various San Francisco social issues, alongside an illustration of a gorilla labeled "THE HEALTH OFFICE." The gorilla caricature satirizes San Francisco's Health Office, suggesting it's crude, incompetent, or brutish in character. The accompanying text discusses health regulations, sanitation, and the office's authority—implying the Health Office functions with the finesse of an animal rather than professional competence. The letter column addresses local concerns including religious disputes, housing conditions, and municipal services, reflecting Victorian-era San Francisco complaints about governance and public health infrastructure. The satire targets municipal bureaucracy as ineffective and somewhat savage in its implementation of health policies.