The Wasp — 1878 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# The Illustrated Wasp, Page 357 The cartoon depicts **"The living link (of sausage). The dog."** — a satirical jab at the food industry, showing a dog amid sausage links. This appears to be commentary on meat processing practices and possibly food adulteration concerns of the 1870s era. The surrounding articles address contemporary social issues: corrupt insurance agents, newspaper editor mortality from overwork, workplace discrimination against foreign-born workers, and theatrical managers' abuse of authority. One piece mocks the "divorce business" as profitable for lawyers. Another criticizes Miss Kellogg (likely the opera singer) for condescending remarks about San Francisco. The tone throughout is satirical critique of urban corruption, labor exploitation, and hypocrisy among the privileged classes — typical Wasp content from this period.