The Wasp — 1896 — page 514: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a **title page and editorial content** rather than a cartoon page. The masthead identifies *The Wasp* as "the oldest cartoon paper in colors in the United States," established 1876 (note: the issue date is 1868, suggesting a dating error). The page contains multiple brief satirical **gossip-style items** targeting contemporary San Francisco figures: - **J. Truman**: banker criticized for brutality during a riot - **School Director Henderson**: mocked for failing to fire a principal - **Mr. Dawley**: artist with a claim against Spain over a Cuban dungeon imprisonment - Various other local figures skewered for hypocrisy or misconduct The tone is **sharp, personal commentary** on local politics and society rather than illustrated political cartoons. Each item uses wit and sarcasm to attack public figures' character and judgment.