The Wasp — 1891 — page 333: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical Wasp page mocks various contemporary institutions and figures through six vignettes titled "Things This Generation Will Never See": 1. **Honest San Francisco Police** - A cop actually helping someone 2. **Honest Cable Car Conductor** - A transit worker charging fair fares 3. **Honest Barkeeper** - A bartender refusing drink offers 4. **The Prohibition Party in the Presidential Chair** - Political figures appearing respectable (references Prohibition debates) 5. **Annexation of Canada** - An absurd geopolitical scenario 6. **Death of "Annie Rooney"** - A popular song's permanent retirement The cartoon's satirical thesis—stated in the header and footer—suggests widespread corruption and dishonesty in San Francisco institutions, transit services, retail businesses, and politics. The humor depends on readers recognizing these as common urban complaints of the era.