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

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of The Wasp, December 13, 1879 The masthead illustration depicts a wasp attacking what appears to be a beehive or nest—likely The Wasp's standard logo rather than a specific political cartoon. The main text is editorial commentary by Managing Editor Salmi Morse discussing an upcoming "Great Christmas number" and announcing a new cartoon series called "Brimstone Trail," featuring portraits of California's newly elected governors. The lengthy article critiques freethinkers and atheists who challenge Christian doctrine, arguing their arguments are logically weak. It references historical figures like Voltaire and Rousseau as examples of flawed atheist reasoning. This appears primarily a **magazine contents page** rather than political satire—mainly advertising subscription rates, announcing editorial plans, and featuring philosophical debate rather than visual humor or caricature.