The Wasp — 1879 — page 189: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* is primarily a **humor and satire collection** rather than a political cartoon. The single illustration shows a wasp holding what appears to be a coin or circular object labeled "COUNTERFEIT," satirizing the theme of the adjacent text about counterfeit currency. The page consists of brief comedic anecdotes and witty observations on contemporary American life—covering topics like babies, marriage, women, machines, social climbers, and business dealings. These are typical of late 19th-century satirical magazines that compiled short humorous pieces rather than sustained editorial commentary. The overall content reflects *The Wasp's* purpose: offering lighthearted social criticism through wordplay and situational humor rather than serious political commentary.