The Wasp — 1890 — page 185: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **advertising and society notes**, not political cartoons. The layout includes: **Advertisements** for patent medicines (Ayer's Pills, Murray's Specific), optical services, gas stoves, and a "vital restorative" called Invigorator—typical late 19th-century commercial content. **Social items** mention Mrs. Emelie Tracy Y. Parkhurst hosting an "at home" gathering, and real estate market observations. **Editorial commentary** by "Damon" discusses San Francisco municipal corruption, specifically Mayor Gould's investigation into City Council members' suspicious political affiliations and potential whiskey-related bribery. The tone is satirical but focuses on local governance failures rather than visual cartoon satire. The page reflects *The Wasp's* mix of advertising revenue and political critique typical of satirical periodicals of this era.