The Wasp — May 15, 1880 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# William Parker Daingerfield This page features a portrait and biographical entry for William Parker Daingerfield, identified as a "Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, a worthy and an upright man." The text describes him positively, noting he was called to account by a court superior and "leaves a blank in the judicial record." The accompanying commentary suggests satirical criticism: phrases like "not easy to be filled" and references to his "demeanor" creating "astonishment" among "fellow citizens" indicate the Wasp is questioning his fitness for office, despite surface-level praise. The text's tone is mockingly formal—typical Wasp technique where ostensible compliments mask harsh judgment about judicial competence or conduct. Without additional historical context, the specific incident prompting this critique remains unclear.