The Wasp — 1887 — page 277: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is page 4 of *The Wasp* (October 15, 1887), primarily featuring editorial text rather than prominent cartoons. The masthead and subscription information occupy the upper portion. The main articles discuss contemporary scandals: jury-bribery in high-profile trials, a disputed yacht race involving the Thistle and Volunteer, and criticism of Richard K. Fox (editor of the *Police Gazette*) for allegedly introducing himself as the "Prince of Wales" to impress royalty—satirized as a typical American social-climber's pretension. A final item mocks a valet's theft from a Russian nobleman, using it to satirize wealthy Europeans' careless attitudes toward their servants' theft of luxury goods. The satire targets corruption, social pretension, and class hypocrisy among America's elite and nouveau riche.