The Wasp — 1896 — page 636: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **text-based social commentary** rather than political cartoons. The "Round and About" column contains brief satirical items on various topics: 1. **Sharkey the sailor**: Mocks an allegedly hard man who's actually cowardly and needs scientific improvement. 2. **Bicycle controversy**: References ongoing debates about bicycles as moral/physical dangers, particularly for women. 3. **Los Angeles wheelmen**: Criticizes local cyclists for ignoring League of American Wheelmen rules and forming independent leagues. 4. **Various society gossip**: Includes satirical notes on Mrs. Cravens, Mrs. Brown, racing scandals, and local personalities. The **illustration below** shows "The Course at Henley"—a rowing venue where English amateur rowing championships occur, likely included to balance the text's urban focus with aspirational leisure-class imagery.