The Wasp — 1877 — page 197: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The page contains a satirical illustration titled **"To be or not to be—Boruck"** depicting a wasp attacking what appears to be a rotund figure. The caption references "a pair of rosy lips" and mentions "Col. Granite" as "a one-day water-in-law." The surrounding text consists of brief satirical notices about San Francisco society and politics, including jabs at various officials and social figures. References appear to target local politicians and scandals—mentions of railroad schemes, street car conductors, and various named individuals suggest contemporary municipal corruption or incompetence. The overall tone mocks incompetent governance and prominent citizens. Without clearer identification of specific figures like "Boruck," the precise political targets remain unclear, though the content reflects typical 1870s Bay Area satirical commentary on local graft and mismanagement.