The Wasp — 1879 — page 510: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* (dated March 9, 1880) contains two distinct sections: **Upper section:** Discusses Chinese labor competition and cigar manufacturing in California. The text argues that white workers cannot compete with Chinese laborers on wages, forcing manufacturers to choose between employing Chinese workers cheaply or white workers at higher cost. The satire targets business owners' self-interest, suggesting they sacrifice workers' welfare for profit. **Lower section ("Feuilleton"):** A letter from Sacramento mocking local politics, specifically criticizing Republican Party management. The writer expresses frustration with political appointments and incompetence, using sarcasm throughout. The cartoon illustration (two men in top hats) likely depicts politicians being mocked in the accompanying text, though the specific individuals remain unclear from the image alone. Both sections satirize California's economic and political elites during this period of labor conflict and partisan dispute.