The Wasp — 1896 — page 992: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes San Francisco politicians through letters and illustrations. The main feature, "Steam Beer Politics," mocks local political figures through correspondence allegedly from Lawrence Mulroney to "Mike" (likely Mike de Young, a prominent San Francisco politician/publisher). The satire attacks politicians for corruption and incompetence, using crude caricatures and crude humor. References include mentions of "Blinker" and various local political scandals. The illustrations depict politicians in degrading situations—one shows a figure falling into a pit, another depicts what appears to be an "African circulation" scene with dehumanizing imagery typical of the era's offensive satirical style. The tone is viciously personal, attacking these figures' competence, honesty, and fitness for office through exaggerated insult rather than policy critique.