The Wasp — 1889 — page 277: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains three satirical articles with accompanying illustrations rather than political cartoons. **"Sunset Cox and Webster-Clay Whisky"** mocks historical anecdotes about 19th-century politicians Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, portraying them as heavy drinkers. The humor relies on readers' familiarity with these figures' reputations. **"Herrmann's Joke"** describes magician Herrmann's encounter with a Chinese peddler who became ill from disappointment over unsold oranges. The satire targets both the magician's callousness and possibly anti-Chinese sentiment of the era, portraying the peddler as emotionally fragile. **"Destroying the Illusion"** and other brief humor pieces follow. The page demonstrates The Wasp's blend of political/social commentary through anecdotes and jokes rather than visual caricature, relying heavily on period context and contemporary reputation.