The Wasp — 1877 — page 252: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main illustration shows a wasp attacking what appears to be a locust or grasshopper—a visual metaphor for the magazine's satirical mission. The page contains several political commentary sections. One discusses "The Great Military Powers of Europe," analyzing military mobilization during an unspecified recent war. Another section, "Memorial Day," announces a ceremony to honor Civil War dead. The longest piece, "Poor Fellow! How He Felt After His First Stooge," presents a sentimental narrative about a man's romantic disappointment, contrasting idealized love with harsh reality. A final section, "The World's Railroads," provides factual information about global railway expansion, noting the United States leads with 76,855 miles. The page mixes political analysis, patriotic commemoration, and human-interest stories typical of 1870s satirical journalism.