The Wasp — 1878 — page 266: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains satirical articles rather than cartoons. The main pieces mock: 1. **Political hypocrisy**: The "Constitutional Convention" article critiques both major parties for ignoring their principles while pursuing power and patronage through delegate selection. 2. **A newspaper editor anecdote**: Satirizes a pompous editor who smells of pepper sauce and appears physically disheveled, yet grandiosely rejects job applicants—mocking pretentious editorial gatekeeping. 3. **Humorous vignettes** about a makeshift telephone, a tramp editor introducing himself, and banking anecdotes involving cigars and paper currency—all poking fun at contemporary urban absurdities and human folly. The tone is irreverent mockery of political corruption, journalistic pomposity, and everyday human ridiculousness.