The Wasp — 1879 — page 495: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two distinct sections: **Upper section**: A lengthy editorial discussing Chinese labor and San Francisco economics, debating whether unemployed laborers' hardships justify supporting Chinese exclusion. The text references a Reverend Kallock and Mayor, discussing competing claims about economic impacts. **Lower section ("Feuilleton")**: A satirical dialogue set in Sacramento legislature, dated March 24, 1880. Characters debate political corruption and lobbying—specifically discussing whether notaries are being used to defeat "Tyler" in a voting scheme involving 25 cents. References to W.P.C. (likely a political organization), Braunbart, and Assembly proceedings suggest this mocks contemporary Sacramento political machinations and bribery. The cartoon illustration (upper right) shows two well-dressed men in conversation, likely representing political or business figures engaged in corrupt dealings.