The Wasp — 1896 — page 63: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a portrait photograph of **Miss Belle Archer**, identified as "a handsome member of the talented Frawley Company now at the Columbia Theater." The accompanying text is primarily **satirical commentary on social issues** rather than a political cartoon. The satire targets several topics: 1. **Women's financial independence**: Mocking a "new woman" in Webster City who publicly warned against trusting husbands with money 2. **Female journalists**: Noting the 1890 census counted 888 female journalists in the U.S., with editorial commentary about women in California newspapers 3. **Newspaper sensationalism**: References to the Los Angeles *Herald*'s "Polite World" column and competitive press tactics The overall tone is skeptical toward women's emerging economic and professional roles during this era.