The Wasp — 1891 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a humorous short story rather than a political cartoon. The narrative describes the author's encounter with the ghost of a newspaper journalist—specifically someone associated with the *Herald* newspaper. The satire mocks journalism and newspaper competition of the era. The ghost complains about sensationalism, editorial interference, and the decline of serious journalism. He describes how the *Herald* prioritized profit-seeking and scandal over substantive reporting, eventually forcing him to emigrate to America. The piece satirizes 19th-century newspaper culture: competitive circulation wars, pressure to sensationalize stories, and the erosion of journalistic integrity for commercial success. While specific *Herald* references suggest a particular publication, the broader target is yellow journalism practices of the period.