The Wasp — September 13, 1879 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# The Illustrated Wasp - September 13, 1879 The masthead cartoon shows a wasp emerging from a publication labeled "The Illustrated Wasp," representing the magazine's satirical nature. The main article criticizes the San Francisco Presbytery's actions regarding Chinese church membership and clergy ordination. The text attacks what it sees as moral hypocrisy: the Presbyterian church collects money from wealthy members while simultaneously excluding Chinese people from full participation and dignity. The Wasp satirizes this contradiction—accusing the church of preaching morality while practicing discrimination based on race and class. The piece argues that if the Presbyterians truly believed their religious principles, they would treat Chinese people equitably rather than relegating them to inferior status. This reflects 1879 anti-Chinese sentiment debates, though here the magazine critiques Christian institutions' racism rather than endorsing it.