The Wasp — 1891 — page 479: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily editorial and advertising content rather than political cartoons. The masthead illustration shows a wasp character, the magazine's trademark. The editorial section, titled "WHY," discusses economic issues of the 1891 period: agricultural hardship (wheat prices), coal pricing, and famine/suffering internationally (Japan, Russia, Brazil, Chile, Europe). It advocates for a protective tariff and criticizes free trade, positioning protection and "Tire Wasp" as solutions to economic distress. The right-hand columns contain brief political commentary on topics including Mexico's reciprocity with the U.S., Alaska resources, and mentions of political figures like Postmaster-General Wanamaker. The bulk of the remaining content advertises books, including Civil War memoirs by Grant and Sherman, at discounted subscription rates.