The Wasp — 1878 — page 81: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The cartoon depicts a large wasp attacking a human face, with the caption identifying it as "Daughter of the regiment—Millie-Tary." This appears to be wordplay satirizing someone named Millie associated with military matters (the pun "Millie-Tary" substitutes "Millie" for "Military"). The cartoon's aggressive imagery—the wasp stinging—suggests sharp, stinging criticism of this figure. The phrase "Very Freshest American Humor" is ironic, as the cartoon delivers biting satire rather than gentle humor. Without clearer historical context identifying who "Millie-Tary" references, the exact political target remains unclear, though the military association and aggressive tone suggest criticism of a public military figure or policy from *The Wasp's* era.