The Wasp — December 20, 1879 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Baruch Koweski, or Le Juif Polonais" This page is primarily **text from a three-act theatrical play**, not a political cartoon. The play was adapted from French and written by Salmi Morse for *The Wasp* magazine. Act III depicts a dramatic confrontation involving a wealthy innkeeper named Michel and a Chief Judge, with dialogue centered on accusations of murder and jewel theft. The text references "the murdered Jew" and discusses evidence and legal testimony. The title's reference to a "Polish Jew" suggests the play engages with 19th-century stereotypes and anti-Semitic themes common to period melodrama. The specific satirical or political point, however, is unclear from this text page alone without seeing accompanying illustrations or knowing *The Wasp's* editorial stance toward the work.