The Wasp — 1893 — page 73: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains several satirical pieces typical of Gilded Age American humor magazines: **"Our Pictures"** (left column) attacks Sacramento politicians, particularly those involved in a "motley gang" scandal. The cartoon depicts someone painting/manipulating images, suggesting political deception. The text references specific legislators like Kerns and Cator, criticizing their corruption and influence-peddling. **"Our Leisure Classes"** features a dialogue mocking upper-class pretension, particularly a character named Miss Pjama who discusses intellectual topics superficially. **"What Puzzled Mr. Ledgerman"** recounts a humorous domestic mystery involving a bride's suspicious Indian tattoo mark—a bizarre detail suggesting xenophobic anxieties about foreign influences. The overall tone reflects fin-de-siècle skepticism toward political corruption, class affectation, and social anxiety about immigration and "otherness."