The Wasp — 1890 — page 416: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

**Top Cartoon ("He Meant Well"):** A deacon named Mildew from San Francisco's interior tries to sell gas pipes to those needing them for "closed closets"—a dark reference to suicide by gas. The satire mocks his obliviousness or hypocrisy in promoting a method of self-harm. **Lower Section:** Contains brief satirical commentary on contemporary issues: mind-readers being frauds, capital punishment in Australia, Chicago's stock yards, and Democratic politicians. **Bottom Cartoon ("Justly Served"):** Depicts someone named Cruffles asked to sing a popular song, requesting the "A-n-o R—n-y!" version. The joke's specifics are unclear from context alone, though it involves musical performance and apparent wordplay. The page exemplifies *The Wasp*'s mix of visual satire and acerbic social commentary.