The Wasp — 1896 — page 103: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* contains satirical verse and illustrations mocking various figures. "White Hat Wept" appears to be doggerel verse ridiculing someone (possibly a political figure) named Talbot Clifton, with the poem suggesting embarrassing behavior or cowardice. The "Jumping Hurdles" cartoon depicts equestrian mishaps, likely satirizing incompetence or pretension among the riding classes. A prominent section profiles "Captain P. T. Brown," recently appointed to supervise dredges by the Harbor Commissioners. The text praises his qualifications while the accompanying portrait suggests this may be ironic praise—a common *Wasp* technique. The page also includes brief gossip items about various public figures, typical of the magazine's satirical coverage of San Francisco society and politics during this era.