The Wasp — 1878 — page 174: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily a **Q&A advice column** titled "Answers" rather than a political cartoon. The illustrated header shows a figure at a desk, likely representing the advice columnist. The column addresses various reader questions about horses, whales, dramatic criticism, government spending, New York City property values, storms, and charitable contributions. Most responses appear to be **humorous deflections or non-answers**—typical satirical technique where the columnist avoids giving straight answers, instead offering witty rejoinders or absurdist logic. The final exchanges reference specific figures like **Dr. Begg of Scotland** (opposing instrumental music in churches) and debates about American organs versus Italian ones, suggesting **religious and cultural controversies** of the era. The satire targets **pretentious advice-giving itself**—mocking both readers' trivial concerns and the columnist's evasiveness.