The Wasp — 1890 — page 399: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

**Top Section - "The Wasp's Market Quotations":** Three satirical market-price cartoons mocking California economic conditions: - "Wool scarce" - caricatured face (likely depicting a wool trader) - "Hay descending" - train car labeled "HAY" falling/crashing - "Pork—no demand" - chaotic scene with figures around a barrel These appear to mock commodity markets and economic instability in California during this period. **Main Text & Bottom Cartoon:** The page contains business news about San Francisco development, real estate transactions, and railroad construction. The bottom illustration titled "Confession After Discharge" shows two men at a table with a drink, apparently discussing employment or job performance—one discharged worker confessing to poor work habits to his former employer. The dialogue suggests workplace dishonesty or inadequate effort. The overall page satirizes California's volatile economy and business culture.