The Wasp — 1876 — page 112: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

**Top:** Decorative title page showing "The Wasp" masthead with whimsical insects and figures surrounding ornate lettering. Published by The Wasp Co., San Francisco office address listed. **Bottom cartoon:** Depicts Britannia (Britain, identifiable by her helmet and shield) confronting a bearded, demonic figure labeled "Europe," with a box labeled "Romania" between them. The caption reads: "Europe—'If your body don't stop that hauling, I'll open another Box, where there is a worse figure than this to be exhibited.'" This appears to satirize European colonial conflicts over Romania or Balkan territories circa 1876, likely referencing diplomatic tensions. The cartoon uses the demon figure to represent European conflict or instability threatening British interests, with threatening boxes suggesting escalating international complications.