The Wasp — 1877 — page 33: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main cartoon depicts a figure labeled "A COLONELS POSTMASTER" who is now called a "blackmailer." The accompanying text presents a corruption anecdote: a postmaster allegedly demanded money from a citizen by threatening to report him for a minor offense unless paid. The joke satirizes how postal officials exploited their government authority for personal gain. The rest of the page contains humorous short pieces mocking various subjects—incompetent military officers, overly cautious editors, and absurd rumors. The ads for "Patent Professional Puffs" are tongue-in-cheek testimonials from fictitious doctors and judges praising dubious services. Overall, the page satirizes corruption in public office and the gullibility of readers who believe exaggerated advertisements.