The Wasp — 1896 — page 512: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* (an 1896 San Francisco satirical weekly) features a cartoon titled "Played a Poor Game." It depicts two men in conversation, with one seated and one standing. The caption suggests a social commentary about a "Young Sportique" and inappropriate behavior—specifically, the joke appears to concern a woman's accusations that a man behaved badly during poker, implying he cheated or acted ungentlemanly. The page also advertises the magazine's 1896 subscription premiums, including affordable yearly rates and gifts like silver parlor clocks for subscribers. A library stamp indicates this was retained by California State Library. The bottom references "The Old Maid Discourses of the Fair Wills and Contract Marriages," suggesting satirical commentary on marriage customs and women's social positions of that era.