The Wasp — 1921 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# The Wasp - Political Satire Page This page depicts a dramatic dialogue between a General and a Lieutenant discussing a dangerous political situation in Russia. The Lieutenant reports that an emissary (Lieutenant Sobreff) has arrived in a town, sent dispatches, but disappeared—possibly meeting with "an accident." The General, fearful of anarchist retaliation for his past role as Minister of Police, refuses to leave his post, declaring he won't "take any chances." The Lieutenant warns that anarchists view his tenure as "plain murder" and won't forget. The General's final comment—"We smoked the wasps out!"—references anarchists as "wasps," connecting to the magazine's title. The satire suggests the dangers Russian officials faced from revolutionary violence during this turbulent period, likely early 20th century.