The Wasp — 1878 — page 18: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains gossip items and theater reviews rather than political cartoons. The small illustration labeled "GOSSIP" shows two figures in conversation, representing the gossip column format. Key satirical content includes: - **Chinese Embassy interview**: A supposedly exclusive interview with Chinese diplomats at the Palace, mocking journalistic pretension about accessing important figures. - **Theater reviews**: Critiques of "Diplomacy" at California Theatre and other productions, with sarcastic commentary on dramatic quality and audience attendance. - **Social notes**: Brief satirical items about Richmond's oleomargarine, a three-barreled breech-loader invention, and various local personalities. The page exemplifies *Wasp*'s style of casual social satire targeting San Francisco's institutions, theater scene, and absurd local inventions through witty commentary rather than visual caricature.