The Wasp — 1896 — page 657: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes San Francisco Bay Area politics through several interconnected stories. The main cartoon depicts a figure emerging from a beer barrel labeled "Steam Beer Politics," referencing local brewing culture and political corruption. The text discusses Mayor Adolph's potential nomination for Congress, with various power brokers—including Taylor Rogers and the "Buckley men"—maneuvering for position. References to Gavin McNab, Professor Healy Davis, and other named figures suggest infighting within local political machines. The satire critiques how political candidates are manipulated by behind-the-scenes operators, with particular mockery directed at the Federation's "peculiar idea" of selecting nominees. The humor derives from exposing the mechanics of political patronage and deal-making in early 20th-century San Francisco.