The Wasp — 1890 — page 194: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two comedic sketches and editorial commentary. The top cartoons depict working-class domestic situations—a servant being accused of burning shirts, and a gentleman offering a seat on public transport. These appear to mock class pretensions and servant-master relationships. The main editorial "From the Milpitas Clarion" satirizes rural/small-town life and newspaper culture, poking fun at local scandals (barber Jim, a stickler's complaint about a squash delivery). The accompanying illustration shows a dentist, likely commenting on frontier-town services or medical practice. "The Campaign Has Opened" depicts drawing-room conversation about politics and aristocratic pretension, with a Mr. Nuggetts loudly bragging about his family's connections while appearing ridiculous—satirizing social climbers and pomposity. The overall tone mocks class hierarchies and affected gentility.