The Wasp — 1879 — page 182: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily text-based satire rather than illustrated cartoons. The content critiques several targets: **"Shall It Be Thus?"** attacks inconsistent patriotism—wealthy citizens who ignore other regions' suffering while demanding national unity. The piece argues that if the country cannot sympathize across its own sections, it lacks moral standing to govern. **"The Municipal Reform Party"** section praises a San Francisco civic organization promoting honest, economical city government and clean streets. The satire appears supportive rather than mocking. **"Opening of the Pic-nic Season"** uses humorous verse to mock drunken behavior and moral hypocrisy among young men during leisure season. The magazine targets political inconsistency, corruption, and social pretension typical of 19th-century American satire, with specific focus on San Francisco civic affairs.