The Wasp — 1877 — page 173: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The page's central cartoon depicts a wasp stinging a figure labeled "Systeria in the Police Court." The illustration satirizes dishonesty and corruption among San Francisco police officials. The surrounding text column discusses American and British diplomatic representatives, criticizing their conduct and standards. It also covers local San Francisco matters including police misconduct, water company issues, and criminal cases. The cartoon appears to comment on what the magazine perceived as theatrical or exaggerated behavior ("hysteria") in police court proceedings—suggesting officials were performing or being dishonest rather than administering justice fairly. This aligns with The Wasp's satirical mission to expose municipal corruption and incompetence in 1870s San Francisco.