The Wasp — February 14, 1880 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Content Analysis: The Illustrated Wasp, Page 409 This page contains three distinct pieces: 1. **"Modern Cadeism" (drama)**: A one-act play satirizing corrupt municipal politics. Characters include a "Modern Cade" (likely referencing Jack Cade, the historical rebel) who exploits a Board of Health position, and a "German Mister" representing foreign business interests. The satire targets municipal officials who leverage their positions for personal profit and use public nuisances as leverage. 2. **"Female Walking Matches"**: A brief note mocking women's athletic competitions and exhibition walking matches gaining public attention—likely poking fun at the novelty and propriety concerns surrounding women's public physical activities. 3. **"Sacramento"**: A letter from February 1880 detailing railroad corruption and political maneuvering in California, describing schemes involving the Southern Pacific Railroad and state politics. The page is primarily text-based satire rather than visual cartooning.