The Wasp — 1896 — page 868: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains **General Dickinson's political advertisement** (right side: "Vote for Deane for Auditor"), alongside editorial commentary mocking military social hierarchy. The main satirical content critiques **State Militia discipline and class distinctions**. Text discusses how officers' wives complain about "lower rank" soldiers at social events, and how this reflects broader military snobbery. The accompanying sketches illustrate military figures in various social situations, satirizing rigid rank consciousness. The article argues such pretension is undemocratic and ridiculous—that a soldier's worth shouldn't depend on rank during off-duty social interactions. This reflects Progressive-era criticism of military class stratification as contrary to American egalitarian ideals. The Deane campaign advertisement appears alongside, suggesting *The Wasp*'s endorsement of reform-minded candidates opposing such social hierarchies.