The Wasp, 1918 · page 105 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 105: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains prose fiction rather than a political cartoon. It depicts a dramatic confrontation between two men—Stanton and Burnham—at Government House, apparently in a colonial setting (references to "barracks," "Major Black," and racial terminology suggest 19th-century colonial America or similar context). Burnham appears to be blackmailing or coercing Stanton regarding a woman named "Kitty," using leverage over Stanton's intoxicated state. Stanton, drunk and vulnerable, protests that no one would believe Burnham's accusations. After Burnham dismisses him, Stanton staggers away to find Major Black's quarters, where he encounters Mrs. Black—described with unflattering physical detail characteristic of period satire. The narrative suggests a scandal involving infidelity or impropriety, with Burnham exploiting Stanton's compromised condition for unstated purposes. Without seeing accompanying illustrations or knowing the publication's date and specific political context, the satirical target remains unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
96 THE WASP “You should consider the lady’s feelings, as you are so fond of her,”’ continued Burnham leering. ‘‘ Live and let live is a good motto for gentlemen in your position. Come, bestir your wits and tell me if you and J—and Kitty—are to be friendly strangers—or what we used to be.” Stanton got unsteadily to his fan “They wouldn’t believe you,” he said auily. ** Nobody would listen to you. It would be two against one. You couldn’t harm us.” Burnham laughed. “Go talk it over with Kitty,” he said. ‘‘ She has a sharp brain. You are in no condition to think, even for yourself. Let me know your decision some time to-morrow, when you are sober.” Burnham retired to his room. Stanton re- arranged his dress with fumbling fingers, wiped his face, found his hat, and stumbled away from Government House. He was directed to the barracks at the back of the town by an obliging negro, and in the course of time found his way to Major Black’s quarters. Mrs. Black was the first member of the house- : hold whom he happened to encounter. She was a large woman with a long, weather-beaten face and a small, calculating eye. Her usual Comlicioos.come