The Wasp, 1896 · page 154 of 1082
The Wasp — 1896 — page 154: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**Main Cartoon ("A Matter of Color"):** Two men in conversation, one appearing to be Irish (based on period caricature style). The dialogue references "Mistah" and being "mistaken in the dark," suggesting racial humor about skin color and ethnic prejudice—common in late 19th/early 20th-century satire. **"A Perfect System" Cartoon:** A woman refuses to open a door, citing she's "been here nearly an hour" and mentioning her "liver oil" with irritation. The reference to a callers' system appears to mock San Francisco social conventions around visiting hours and propriety. **Overall Context:** The page mixes political commentary with social satire, including pieces on food safety reform, electricity as a burglary deterrent, and marital fidelity. The content reflects Progressive Era concerns about urban life, commerce, and morality.