The Wasp — 1890 — page 131: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents financial and real estate commentary with satirical illustrations. The top section, "Other Peoples' Money," discusses California's real estate boom and banker skepticism about rapid growth, particularly regarding immigration from the Northeast to Southern California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. The cartoon "A Lesson in Blue Cloth" depicts two working-class figures—appearing to represent laborers or tradesmen—examining material or goods. The accompanying text praises banker Isaias W. Hellman's financial acumen, contrasting his success managing the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Los Angeles against cautionary tales of other bankers who failed during economic downturns. The satire critiques both speculative real estate practices and banking practices of the era.