The Wasp — 1879 — page 214: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main cartoon depicts a figure labeled "My Dear Grandmother" receiving a letter. The accompanying text satirizes a government official (possibly named Wasp or similar) who is criticized for corruption and misconduct. The satire mocks his justifications and excuses, portraying him as brazenly self-serving despite clear wrongdoing. The page also contains articles critiquing various public figures and institutions, including attacks on education board members and city officials accused of mismanagement and graft. A secondary feature, "The Primrose Bush," appears to be unrelated poetry or literature. The overall tone is one of biting social criticism typical of 19th-century American satirical journalism, targeting corruption in public office and institutional hypocrisy.