The Wasp — 1879 — page 572: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a title page/cover featuring an institutional portrait rather than political satire. The main image shows the City and County Alms House with a portrait inset of **Mr. M.J. Keating, Superintendent**. The page presents the building as an impressive institutional structure with manicured grounds and a carriage, suggesting competent administration. However, *The Wasp* was known for satirical critique, so the prominent display of Keating's portrait alongside the alms house likely carried implicit commentary—either praising or potentially mocking his stewardship of this public charity facility. The Wasp was a San Francisco satirical weekly costing 10 cents, recorded at Sacramento. Without additional context or interior content visible, the specific satirical angle remains unclear.