The Wasp — 1877 — page 53: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main illustration shows a wasp riding on what appears to be a larger insect, wielding a weapon. The caption identifies "Noah N. Flood is a candidate for District Attorney" and notes he is "the most energetic and faithful officer in the pay of the city, it is Assistant District Attorney Darrin." The satire appears to mock Flood's candidacy, suggesting through the aggressive wasp imagery that he aggressively pursues cases. References in the text note Chief Ellis "pulled the dives" through persistent attention, implying police raids on establishments. The "Pertinent Queries" section lists unanswered political questions about police enforcement and city corruption, typical of The Wasp's investigative satire targeting San Francisco's administrative failures and official misconduct.