The Wasp — 1891 — page 526: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features "Our Gallery of American Statesmen," focusing on Hon. John A. Pickler, a Republican congressman from South Dakota. The accompanying article, titled "Service Pensions," argues for government pensions to Civil War veterans. The main text defends the moral obligation of the nation to pension Union soldiers, emphasizing that soldiers sacrificed for the country and deserve governmental support as a matter of justice and patriotism—not charity. The portrait sketch shows Pickler with distinctive facial hair typical of 1880s-90s styling. The page also includes an unrelated satirical humor section titled "Going to the Dogs," offering brief social commentary. This represents Gilded Age debate over veteran benefits and government responsibility.