The Wasp — 1896 — page 112: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a title page and masthead for *The Wasp*, "the oldest cartoon paper in colors in the United States," established 1876. The large decorative header features the publication's name with an illustration of a wasp. Below the masthead are several brief satirical news items rather than full cartoons. Topics include: - A critique of a woman dictating letters to her secretary (mocking her pretension) - Commentary on Mrs. Stockton's claims about being "as good as Dr. Brown" - African land-grabber Jameson facing English punishment - Emperor William's birthday celebration - Cleveland's disapproval of the Liberty Bell getting special train treatment - A Siberian escape from San Francisco - Miss Ashley's lawsuit against "Lucky" Baldwin over a croquet-playing dog The page demonstrates *The Wasp*'s format: brief, punchy satirical items targeting contemporary figures and social absurdities.