The Wasp — 1878 — page 41: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **text and advertisements** rather than political cartoons. The masthead shows *The Wasp*'s publication details (San Francisco, Saturday publication). The main editorial content discusses **San Francisco police corruption**. The article criticizes the police force for being ineffective and suggests officers are susceptible to bribery—referring to a recent bank theft where detectives allegedly accepted bribes rather than pursuing suspects. A secondary piece, "The Cold Water Crusade," addresses **temperance movements** gaining traction in San Francisco, satirizing well-meaning but ineffective reform efforts. The "Caution!!" notice addresses a **discharged former agent** accused of misconduct. The page reflects 1870s San Francisco civic concerns about institutional corruption and social reform debates.