The Wasp — 1895 — page 642: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* presents five portraits of San Francisco police officers identified as Chief P. Crowley, Captain I. W. Lees, Captain John Spillane, Captain H. S. Robinson, and Captain George H. Wittman. The caption describes them as "Some Efficient Officers Whose Names Have Lately Been Brought More Prominently Than Ever To The Public Notice," suggesting these men recently gained public attention through police reorganization efforts. Without additional context, the satire's specific point is unclear—whether *The Wasp* was praising or mocking this reorganized force depends on the magazine's editorial stance at the time and the circumstances prompting the reorganization. The formal presentation contrasts with typical satirical caricature, suggesting possibly ironic praise or documented record of controversial figures.