The Wasp — 1896 — page 176: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page's main illustration depicts a man and woman at a piano, titled "Songs Without Words." The image appears to be commentary on courtship or domestic romance. However, the page is primarily devoted to satirical prose commentary on contemporary scandals and social issues. These include: Rev. F.M. Colburn's arrest for violating park ordinances; gossip about "Uncle" George Bromley's alleged physical weakness; criticism of a woman suffragist lecturer (Emma Gregory) who was served papers while speaking; commentary on fashionable open-work stockings; and a joke about President Harrison sacrificing himself on the "Hymeneal altar" (marriage). The content reflects turn-of-century concerns with morality, propriety, and women's changing social roles.