The Wasp — June 26, 1880 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains a satirical letter to "Grandma" discussing San Francisco politics and social issues. The accompanying illustration shows a woman in Victorian dress reading correspondence. The letter criticizes various local figures and institutions: it attacks the "Gas rule ordinance," complains about School Board Supervisors, and mocks Mrs. Miles (apparently an education examiner) through sarcastic praise. There's commentary on working-class grievances—brickmakers, breadmakers earning meager wages. The satire employs heavy irony, particularly regarding Mrs. Miles, whom the writer claims to "have no doubt" excels while implying the opposite. The tone suggests frustration with municipal corruption and incompetence affecting ordinary workers. The rest of the page contains advertisements and unrelated content, making this primarily a social/political commentary piece rather than a visual cartoon.