The Wasp, 1913 · page 237 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 237: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a literary excerpt rather than a cartoon. The passage depicts a dramatic scene at what seems to be a social gathering, likely from a serialized story in *The Wasp*, a 19th-century San Francisco satirical magazine. The scene shows a man named Stanton, apparently recovering from illness, becoming intoxicated after drinking punch. Emboldened by alcohol, he aggressively targets someone named Burnham at another table, whom he clearly dislikes. His companions attempt to restrain him as he shouts insults. The satire appears directed at Stanton's behavior—the contrast between his weakened physical state and sudden aggressive drunkenness, suggesting mockery of masculine bravado fueled by alcohol. The surgeon's callous dismissal ("Let him die his own death") adds dark humor. Without additional context about who these figures represent historically or politically, the specific targets of *The Wasp's* satire remain unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
FL aS a a a I SN A 232 THE WASP Ais a POA ee AH SAGA) OE BIA EES LE “Stanton is at it again,” said Cross. “Is it safe, Willis ?” “He is out of my hands now,” replied the young surgeon. “Let him die his own death—a hoggish death—if he’s determined to kill himself. Mr. Burn- ham, your very good health!” A disturbance arose at the other table. Stanton had swallowed three glasses of punch in rapid suc- cession, and, after his period of weakness and ab- stinence, each glass had shot its valiant fumes straight into his empty head. His head rang with rum and the name of Burnham. He did not ap- prove of that name; and he felt very brave. Burn- ham! To the Inferno with all the Burnhams not already there! He tried to get on his feet, but the men on his right and left held him in his chair. “You, there!’ he shouted, struggling with his friends. “You, Burnham; I’ve got a word for your private ear!” A.hand was laid over his foolish mouth, but he dashed it savagely aside and continued to bawl at the other table. Comicooks.com