The Wasp — 1895 — page 785: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily a title/masthead page for *The Wasp*, described as "The Pictorial Weekly of the Pacific Coast" and "the oldest cartoon paper in colors in the United States" (established 1876). The single cartoon, captioned "Ought to Buy a Beauty," depicts a conversation between two figures about marriage and money. A woman (labeled "Mildred") refuses a suitor's proposal, and when asked why, she demands financial security—she won't marry Mr. Spaulding unless he can "get a really handsome" income. The satire targets materialistic attitudes toward marriage among wealthy Californians, mocking women who prioritize wealth over romance. The accompanying editorial content discusses contemporary political figures including Governor Budd and President Cleveland.