The Wasp — 1896 — page 500: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts two caricatured men (likely rival newspaper publishers) as wasps engaged in a confrontation, with a woman figure representing "The Call" (a publication) caught between them. One man gestures toward text claiming "The Chronicle has the largest circulation," while the other points to "The Call speaks for all." Below them sits an inkwell, suggesting the weapon of their trade—print media and journalism. The caption "Will It Be Like This?" expresses concern that their rivalry might become destructive. The satire appears to mock competing San Francisco newspapers and their publishers' claims to superiority and influence. The commentary suggests that while politicians worry about damage, "The WASP entertains a more hopeful view" of these publishers' "good sense and patriotism."