The Wasp — 1891 — page 422: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The portrait shows **Zebulon B. Vance**, a U.S. Senator from North Carolina, whose biographical note appears below the image. The article title asks whether Congress should authorize free coinage of silver—a major 1890s political debate. The text argues that abundant silver wouldn't harm commerce or industry, contrary to "money lords'" predictions. Vance contends that silver has historically maintained value alongside gold, and that restricting silver supply artificially damages the economy. He emphasizes that in a democratic country, "the people rule" and won't accept silver's destruction. The accompanying satirical pieces ("An Essay on Man" and "He Misunderstood") appear to be lighter social commentary rather than directly related political satire.