The Wasp — 1878 — page 73: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **textual content rather than cartoon**, containing the magazine's masthead, subscription rates, and two editorial articles. The main visual element is the **ornate "Illustrated Wasp" logo** featuring classical figures around a central medallion. **Content focus:** The lead article criticizes San Francisco's **new Police Commissioners**, arguing they lack qualifications despite their official titles and high salaries ($800/month). The editorial claims they are incompetent administrators who cannot properly oversee the police force, and calls for legislative action to remove them. The second piece, "Our Greatness in Crookedness," denounces **commercial dishonesty in American trade**—specifically fraudulent packaging and misrepresentation of goods. It suggests dishonest merchants exploit consumers systematically across all social classes. Both articles reflect *The Wasp*'s satirical mission: exposing corruption and incompetence in civic institutions and business.