The Wasp — 1891 — page 320: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical theatrical piece mocking the death of someone named Buckley. The text presents a dialogue between figures identified as "Mr. Potter of Texas" and "Mr. Watterson of Kentucky," discussing Buckley's demise in Berkeley while water supposedly ran in the streets. The piece appears to be a political allegory using pantomime format, with illustrations showing costumed characters. A central "Phonographia" section features commentary on Buckley's death, treating it as both tragic loss and comedic subject. The final section asks rhetorically what San Francisco would be without various notable figures, suggesting Buckley held significant local importance. The exact historical context—who Buckley was and what incident this references—remains unclear without additional documentation, though the theatrical framing suggests contemporary local scandal or tragedy.