The Wasp — 1893 — page 346: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains satirical commentary on San Francisco politics and society circa early 1900s. The main cartoon features discussion of a legal case involving Carret McEnerney (a real attorney) defending a client in an embezzlement case. The text mocks Senator McEnerney's political influence, suggesting senators fabricate excuses when absent, implying their duties are pretense. The page also discusses J.N.E. Wilson's role as a moral accuser of political figures (King McManus and Senator Dunn), portraying him as an ambitious, self-serving opportunist using accusations to advance his position. The bottom illustration, "Blood Horse Devotees," depicts society figures at a horse racing venue, likely satirizing the leisure habits of San Francisco's elite. Throughout, The Wasp employs biting humor to expose political hypocrisy and the vanity of prominent citizens.