The Wasp — 1891 — page 312: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **advertising**, not political satire. The left side features an illustration titled "Scene in a Fashionable Restaurant" depicting two diners in dialogue, with witty exchange about dining choices (oysters, Extra Dry wine). The remainder consists of commercial advertisements for San Francisco businesses: ink stands, tailoring, restaurants, furniture storage, glove manufacturing, boot-making, and piano sales. There's also a patent medicine ad for "Valentine Hassmer's Lung and Cough Syrup." The only satirical content is the "Things and Comments" section, which includes brief literary quotes about human nature and character—general aphorisms rather than topical political commentary. The page demonstrates *The Wasp*'s dual function as both satirical publication and advertising vehicle.