The Wasp — 1879 — page 543: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main illustration shows two men in formal dress engaged in conversation, likely depicting a political or social commentary typical of The Wasp's satirical style. The page contains two distinct sections: the left column discusses Mayor Kalloch and police force politics in San Francisco, criticizing his appointment of an "officeless policeman" and arguing that weak police leadership undermines justice. The right side features a dialogue between "Moses" and "M." debating Jewish religious observance during Lent—a satirical exchange poking fun at religious hypocrisy or confusion about different faith traditions. The bottom section, titled "Sacramento," contains a letter dated March 17th, 1880, discussing local politics and reservoirs, signed by "Mike." Without more context about specific 1880 San Francisco political figures beyond "Kalloch," the exact targets of the satire remain partially unclear, though the general thrust critiques municipal governance and religious pretension.