The Wasp — 1892 — page 475: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents a serialized column titled "The Old Maid's Diary" featuring two illustrations of military figures on horseback. The text discusses San Francisco housing and landlord practices, particularly targeting "bald-headed men" seeking furnished rooms—apparently a common frustration. The two illustrated figures appear to be military officers: "The Despised Infantry Officer" and "The Admired Trooper." The satire seems to mock military hierarchy and social status, contrasting foot soldiers with cavalry. The text references cavalry regiments and pokes fun at military pretension and jealousy between branches. The diary column uses humor to critique San Francisco's rental market, housing shortages, and domestic service issues of the era, while the military illustrations satirize class distinctions within the armed forces.