The Wasp — December 13, 1879 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "TREACLE" This political cartoon depicts a large caricatured figure labeled "S.F. CALL" (San Francisco Call newspaper) being held like a baby by a woman wearing a bonnet labeled "BULLETIN" (likely the San Francisco Bulletin newspaper). A bearded man on the right observes, while a dog labeled "BULLETIN" sits nearby. A pot labeled "RANT JELLY" sits on the table. The satire appears to mock the relationship between these competing San Francisco newspapers. "Treacle" (a sticky syrup, also British slang for sentimentality) suggests the cartoon criticizes overly sentimental or saccharine journalism. The image portrays one publication as infantilized or dependent, possibly commenting on editorial practices, rivalry, or journalistic credibility during this era of San Francisco newspaper competition.