The Wasp — 1892 — page 421: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two satirical articles attacking California politicians, primarily Senator William F. Ostrom. The first article, "How Funny: Barney Murphy's Defeat of Economist Ostrom," ridicules Ostrom's economic policies and political record. It suggests he was defeated despite believing himself an expert, and mocks his supposed arrogance and ineffectiveness. The second article, "Hosiery Won the Case," describes a courtroom scene where a woman accused of grand larceny is tried before Judge Salmon. The satire implies the defendant wins acquittal through her physical appearance and charm rather than actual legal merit—the "hosiery" (her legs/appearance) being more persuasive than evidence. This mocks both judicial bias and female defendants' ability to manipulate proceedings. Both pieces exemplify *The Wasp*'s irreverent political and social commentary.