The Wasp — 1891 — page 99: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains a gossip/humor column called "Phonographia" rather than political cartoons. The central illustration shows a woman (Mrs. Mildew) confronting a man (Cyrus) about his shabby appearance and past infidelities. The satirical items target California political figures and issues: - Amelie Rives' writing quality - A proposed $533,000 Democratic office appropriation - McKinley bill's Sacramento effects - Mrs. Stanley's tallness compared to her husband - Kansas coal/heat policy debates - Social pretensions of the "Mugwump" class - Insurance rate increases in Oakland - "Superfine" civilization in Colorado regarding murderers The humor relies on local gossip, physical appearance mockery, and political commentary—typical of 1890s satirical magazines that blended celebrity gossip with sharp political criticism.