The Wasp — 1914 — page 239: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains narrative fiction rather than a political cartoon. The text describes a social scene aboard what appears to be a ship, featuring characters named Alexander, Captain Cross, Willis, Morton, Stanton, and a midshipman. The passage depicts tension simmering beneath polite social interaction: Stanton displays "owlish but insolent eyes and a sneering mouth" when hearing Burnham's name mentioned, suggesting personal animosity or rivalry. Alexander, the apparent focus of attention, receives toasts from fellow sailors but remains unaware of Stanton's hostile reaction. The satire appears to mock social pretense—characters maintain outward civility while harboring concealed resentments and jealousies. Without seeing the accompanying illustration or knowing the specific historical context, the precise identities and references remain unclear.