The Wasp — 1877 — page 190: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main cartoon depicts a figure riding a horse through clouds, illustrating the phrase "They all do it" — a commentary on widespread corruption among "superfluous observers" aligned with the Duncan business interests. The page primarily contains satirical commentary on San Francisco society and politics, including criticism of Chinese labor practices and police conduct. Several short humorous anecdotes and stories fill the remaining space, touching on topics like ambitious businessmen, romantic mishaps, and social pretension. There's also reference to "Private Detectives" operating in San Francisco, suggesting concerns about vigilante or unsanctioned investigations of prominent citizens. The overall tone mocks hypocrisy, incompetence, and social climbing among San Francisco's elite during the period.