The Wasp — 1889 — page 114: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains primarily **humor columns and advertisements** rather than political cartoons. The left column features Irish-themed jokes and anecdotes, including stories about Irish parliamentarians and comedic misunderstandings. The middle section contains brief humorous dialogues on everyday situations (weighing ducks, stage robbers, etc.). The right side is dominated by **medical patent advertisements**, particularly the prominent "King of Consumption" cure and "California Cure" promotions—typical of the era's largely unregulated snake-oil medicine industry. The one illustrated element is a small decorative cartoon advertising the "King of Consumption" remedy, featuring ornate lettering and a caricatured figure. The humor relies on period stereotypes about Irish accents and behavior, common in American satirical publications of this era.