The Wasp, 1918 · page 211 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 211: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a literary excerpt rather than a cartoon page. The text depicts a drunken confrontation at what seems to be a military or naval gathering. A intoxicated man, emboldened by punch, loudly insults someone named Burnham across the room, specifically taunting Alexander Burnham about his brother—referred to as "Sir Sucking Admiral"—who has apparently been "chased out of London." The brother's disappearance or disgrace is clearly a sensitive subject. Captain Cross intervenes angrily, ordering the drunk man to leave. Alexander Burnham's physical reaction—tremor and muscle twitching—suggests the insult struck a nerve, implying the brother's expulsion was shameful or scandalous. Without knowing the specific historical context or which Burnham family is referenced, the exact political/social reference remains unclear. The satire likely targets either naval incompetence, family scandal, or political disgrace, but identifying the specific figures requires additional historical documentation.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
202, THE -W ASP had swallowed three glasses of punch in rapid succession, and, after his period of weakness and abstinence, 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 approve of that name; and he felt very brave. Burnham! To Hell 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 contin tobawlat _ the other table. *““Where’s your precious brother, my fine . Sir Sucking Admiral?” he bellowed. ‘‘ Gone _ away—what? Gone to earth, hey? Why was — he chased out of [Once can you tell me sthat? Alexander Burnham did not move leg or arm, but a tremor passed over his face and the muscles at the back of his neck twitched. Cap- tain Cross jumped to his feet in anger. ‘Back to your quarters, sir!”’ he roared. ““Away with you, you sot—you fool! Dye ~ icomichooks:com|