The Wasp — 1896 — page 633: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **advertising** for San Francisco businesses (banks, shipping companies, manufacturing firms) from what appears to be the early 1900s. The two cartoon illustrations present social commentary rather than political satire: 1. **"A Fatal Objection"** (upper cartoon): A couple in an intimate moment. The dialogue suggests a marriage proposal where the woman refuses because the man cannot provide adequate financial security—she demands he abolish personal property taxes first, implying she wants wealth redistribution to benefit herself. The satire mocks women's materialistic marriage expectations and economic selfishness. 2. **"Figured It Out"** (lower cartoon): Two figures dancing, apparently illustrating romantic confusion or misunderstanding. The caption suggests resolution of some ambiguity. Both cartoons target social attitudes toward marriage, money, and gender relations—common satirical subjects of the era.