The Wasp — 1890 — page 347: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains satirical poetry and humorous anecdotes rather than political cartoons. The main illustrated piece, "Curiosity Gratified," depicts what appears to be a government official or mayor reading proclamations to citizens, satirizing bureaucratic communication and political theater. The surrounding text includes verses like "Apart" (about love and separation) and anecdotes mocking various figures: a Colorado sheriff avoiding responsibility, a German music professor, and wealthy lottery winners. "The Purity Fad" critiques young people organizing morality societies, suggesting hypocrisy among "female shoplifters" and "lady counter-jumpers" who join such groups. Overall, the page satirizes pretension, governmental ineffectiveness, social hypocrisy, and changing morality—typical Gilded Age American satirical targets. The specific officials referenced are not clearly identified in the visible text.