The Wasp — 1889 — page 266: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main illustration shows a couple in a carriage during what appears to be a train tunnel—the husband looks shocked while the wife seems pleased. This illustrates "The Tunnel Joke," a humorous anecdote about newlyweds where the husband expects the bride to be modest but she behaves boldly in the darkness of the tunnel. The page contains several satirical pieces mocking prominent figures. "The Grand Old Party" satirizes anti-poverty party politics. "Throw Him Out" appears to reference General Melikoff and political maneuvering regarding the "Third Section" (likely Russian secret police). Other segments include "One of Eli Perkins' Stories" about General Sheridan and Dr. Bliss, and "A Change of Manoeuvre," seemingly critiquing military or political strategy. The overall tone is lighthearted social satire typical of 19th-century American humor magazines.