The Wasp — 1895 — page 594: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two main elements: **Left side:** A narrative poem "The Wasp" with accompanying illustration showing what appears to be a confrontation at "Sutro's Heights" involving a "haggard-faced man" and characters named Jim, Ben, and Mayor Adolph. The story concerns a corpse and conflict with authorities ("Board of Health"), suggesting satire of San Francisco civic corruption or public health scandals. **Right side:** A titled cartoon section "Ben Butler's Corpse" depicts a figure operating what appears to be a macabre roadside attraction—a "Back Up Shows" corpse display charging admission. This likely satirizes General Ben Butler, a controversial Civil War figure and politician, with crude mockery of his public image or policies. Below: An unrelated humor piece "Disposing of His Wives" mocks missionary stories. The publication uses grotesque visual humor and dark satire typical of 1870s-80s American satirical press.