The Wasp — 1887 — page 197: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily text content—editorial commentary and social criticism rather than illustrated cartoons. The main pieces address: 1. **Dead animal disposal**: Criticism of San Francisco's handling of thousands of corpses from an English theater disaster, contrasting this with public outcry over animal cruelty. 2. **The Poundkeeper controversy**: Satirical commentary on San Francisco's Poundkeeper and Supervisors regarding dog licenses and animal impoundment practices. The text questions whether new contracts have improved conditions. 3. **Social commentary**: A brief anecdote about a barber's apprentice ("Bill") attempting manual labor, mocking working-class pretensions. 4. **Ballet economics**: Brief mention of Paris ballet dancers earning more than San Francisco theater performers, questioning American wage disparity. The overall tone is satirical social criticism of municipal governance and public priorities.