The Wasp — 1914 — page 298: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains narrative text rather than a cartoon. It describes a maritime encounter between Captain Smith's American schooner and a French brig, involving trade negotiations for salt fish in exchange for rum, molasses, tobacco, or brandy. The passage introduces Pierre Hatte (revealed as David Jones), master of the French vessel *La Belle Marie*. The narrative emphasizes his rough appearance—bare legs, soiled clothing, red silk sash—and language barrier with Captain Smith. Without seeing the accompanying illustration, the satirical point is unclear. However, the text likely sets up a humorous contrast between the refined-sounding French name and the crude, weather-beaten reality of this merchant captain, possibly mocking maritime pretense or Franco-American commercial relations of the era.