The Wasp — 1890 — page 459: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents a satirical "help wanted" column featuring exaggerated character sketches. The cartoon shows four figures representing job seekers or listings: 1. **"Strong Boy—To kick press"** - depicts manual labor 2. **"Wanted—First class finisher on fine custom shirts"** - skilled garment work 3. **"Wanted—Good stiff-hat finisher"** - hat manufacturing 4. **"Baker"** - described as a "respectable German" seeking a foreman position The satire mocks San Francisco's labor market and immigrant workers during this period. The exaggerated, caricatured drawings emphasize class differences and occupational stereotypes. Below, the "Other People's Money" section discusses Union Iron Works contracts and California's canning industry—suggesting commentary on labor conditions and economic opportunity in the Bay Area. The overall tone satirizes both working-class employment struggles and commercial development ambitions.