The Wasp — 1888 — page 312: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* discusses three political cartoons (not fully visible here). The text criticizes various California political figures and their contradictions: **Main Focus:** The article examines Republican and Democratic nominations for positions including Justice of the Peace and Supervisor. It mocks politicians for inconsistent principles—particularly attacking those who claim moral authority while exhibiting questionable behavior. **Key Targets:** References to figures like "Gorham," "Blaine," "Harrison," and others in California politics, highlighting alleged hypocrisy in their campaigns and candidacies. **Central Satirical Point:** The piece argues these politicians make "strange bedfellows" through unprincipled alliances, undermining their public moral claims. The ballot box illustration suggests the theme concerns who deserves voters' trust. The text exemplifies *The Wasp's* muckraking approach to California politics circa the 1880s-90s.