The Wasp — 1889 — page 240: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains primarily **text content** rather than cartoons—several short stories and humorous pieces typical of satirical magazines. Notable items include: - **"Jim Bowker, he said"**: A narrative poem about a man who filled "the world full of the sound of his name" but lacked real achievement—satirizing self-promotion and empty boasting. - **"Jerry Rusk a Judge of Hogs"**: A anecdote about Secretary Rusk judging livestock, poking fun at political figures given absurd responsibilities. - **"Abe's First Speech"**: A humorous piece about Abraham Lincoln's early political aspirations, using self-deprecating comedy. - **"Vivid Writing"** and other short pieces offer social commentary on contemporary issues. The satire targets **vanity, pretension, and incompetence in public figures**—typical Wasp magazine fare.