The Wasp — January 10, 1880 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of The Illustrated Wasp Page 387 The page contains two distinct sections: **"POLICE" Section (Right Column):** An illustration depicts a police officer in period uniform. The accompanying text defines police as "an organized, but civil force, for the government of a city or any other civil community" and discusses proper enforcement of sanitary regulations and legal protections. This appears to be satirical commentary on actual police practices—the text's emphasis on what police *should* be suggests contemporary criticism of corruption or abuse. **"GENUILETON" Section (Left Column):** This consists of a humorous letter dated January 5th, 1880, discussing Sacramento's legislature. The correspondent humorously complains about political maneuvering, lobbying influence, and legislative inefficiency, suggesting satire of California state politics and the persuasive power of wealthy interests over elected officials. Both sections employ satirical irony to critique government institutions and political corruption of the 1880 era.