The Wasp — 1895 — page 128: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a text-heavy editorial/news page rather than a cartoon page. The masthead identifies *The Wasp* as "The Oldest Colored Cartoon Paper in the United States" (established 1876), published in San Francisco. The main content discusses several local political controversies: Mayor Sutro's financial troubles and his role in various city disputes; Governor Budd's appointment of an expert to assess a new valley railroad depot; and legislative financial reform efforts. There is a small illustrated figure (appears to be a woman in period dress) accompanying the masthead. The "cartoons" referenced are editorial commentaries on San Francisco's contemporary municipal politics and personalities, rather than visual satire. The satire is primarily textual, critiquing local political figures' competence and financial management.