The Wasp — 1877 — page 113: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains a detailed political commentary column rather than a cartoon. The main illustration depicts an insect (likely a wasp, the magazine's mascot) and serves as a decorative header. The article "Democratic Rule in Cities" criticizes corruption in Democratic-governed municipalities, particularly New York and San Francisco. It attacks Democratic officials for mismanaging public funds and tolerating corrupt practices by city officers. The piece argues that despite Democrats' claims of reform, they've failed to eliminate municipal corruption. The text also covers local San Francisco issues: tax collection problems, health department matters, and recent judicial appointments. The satire targets Democratic hypocrisy—claiming moral superiority while enabling the same corruption they accused Republicans of perpetrating.