The Wasp, 1918 · page 183 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 183: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a fictional narrative excerpt rather than a political cartoon. The text describes a ship's meeting where violence erupts during debate about promoting James Burnham to a berth (position). The scene depicts a hierarchical maritime setting where Captain Trimmer maintains order through intimidation. A drunk man insults someone, gets stabbed with a knife, and is removed—yet no punishment follows. This leniency surprises even Trimmer himself. When voting on Burnham's promotion, crew members remain silent despite apparent reluctance, fearful of the knife-wielder's demonstrated willingness to use violence. The satire suggests that brutality and fear suppress honest dissent in hierarchical institutions. The piece likely critiques how power systems rely on intimidation rather than genuine consent, using a ship's microcosm to comment on broader social or political coercion. Without knowing the publication date or Burnham's identity, the specific historical reference remains unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
a THE WASP and at his back—and there on the deck lay the wine-inspired gentleman who had insulted him — of the broken nose, writhing in his own blood. The unfortunate debater was carried to his berth, and the business of the meeting was 4 continued. Trimmer, entirely sober himself, | felt that it was not the time to exact discipline. It was a novel feeling for him to have, and he wondered at it vaguely ; for never before had he allowed an unauthorized knifing in his presence to pass without immediate and violent punish- ment. But now he went on with the business _ of electing a quartermaster. : Inquiring glances were turned upon him, the most piercing of which was from the small eyes of Slim Sam, first mate and second in command. co ““'Who says nay to James Burnham having the berth ? ” he asked. If any one felt disinclined to see Burnham promoted, no one felt inclined to risk saying so. The man with the damaged nose glared around him hopefully, his red knife still in his hand; but nobody cared to invite a second exhibition of his prowess in debate. ‘Mr. Burnham, this company of gentlemen of fortune has elected you to the berth and rank J COMMEIOOKS: