The Wasp — 1890 — page 296: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page combines gossip column and satirical commentary on Washington D.C. society. The main cartoon, titled "A Word," depicts a dialogue between a man and woman (labeled "Miss Bullion"), where the woman requests he let her "treasure forever" a romantic keepsake. The satire targets anti-Chinese sentiment and discriminatory practices of the era. The text discusses "The Lower House of Congress" using census data to restrict Chinese immigration, and includes commentary on laundrymen and "heathen Chinese" stereotypes prevalent in 19th-century America. The surrounding gossip section covers Washington elite social events, including a statue donation and various society gatherings. The overall tone blends society reporting with pointed criticism of contemporary racism and political hypocrisy, typical of *The Wasp*'s satirical approach.