The Wasp — 1896 — page 296: 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 decorative header features an illustrated wasp and naturalistic foliage. The page includes subscription information (Five Dollars per year) and publication details for the San Francisco-based satirical weekly. Below the masthead are several opinion columns addressing California politics and appropriations disputes. The text discusses controversies over harbor improvements in Los Angeles versus San Pedro, and debates about Congressional spending priorities in California. These appear to be standard editorial commentary rather than visual satire. No specific political figures or caricatures are clearly identified in the visible portions.