The Wasp — 1896 — page 376: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a **title/masthead page** rather than a cartoon page. The ornate header identifies *The Wasp* as "the oldest cartoon paper in colors in the United States, established 1856," published in San Francisco. The bulk of the page consists of **editorial text** discussing contemporary political issues: debates over free silver coinage, sectarian schools funding, and Republican/Democratic platform positions ahead of the 1896 election. The editors critique both parties' handling of these matters and comment on journalistic ethics regarding McKinley coverage. The decorative border features a **wasp illustration** and period landscape imagery—typical ornamental design for the era. No significant political cartoons are visible on this page itself.