The Wasp — 1896 — page 846: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is the October 24, 1896 title page of *The Wasp*, "the oldest cartoon paper in colors in the United States" (established 1879). The masthead features a large wasp illustration with forest scenery. The visible articles critique San Francisco politics and governance. One piece attacks Gavin McNab, described as a failed political boss now contributing to the daily press, calling his ideas about municipal tickets "a scribe" of poor judgment. Another section discusses a "unique discovery" about municipal candidates and newspaper involvement in elections. The content satirizes local Democratic Party politics, ballot practices, and what the editors view as corruption in candidate selection and election administration. Without seeing specific political cartoons clearly, the focus appears to be mocking contemporary San Francisco political machinery and figures.