The Wasp — 1896 — page 496: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents four portraits of Democratic Party delegates for the 1896 National Democratic Convention. The identifications read: - **Hon. Jas. V. Coleman**: A popular Democratic leader heading to Chicago - **J. I. Dwyer**: A lawyer and orator elected as San Francisco's Fourth District delegate - **Louis Metzler**: Representing Fourth District Democracy at the Chicago convention - **Dr. John F. Morse**: A San Francisco Board of Health member serving as Democratic alternate The page functions as political coverage rather than satire—documenting prominent California Democrats attending the national convention. One anecdote describes a cyclist confrontation on the Boulevard, illustrating contemporary urban tensions. The satirical magazine appears to be documenting party leadership rather than mocking these specific individuals, though Metzler's portrait—where he wears tinted glasses—might suggest gentle caricature typical of the era.