The Wasp — 1879 — page 60: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains satirical commentary on American education, specifically criticizing teachers and school administrators. The main cartoon (lower left) depicts a corpulent teacher or official relaxing while students labor—likely satirizing educational negligence or administrative incompetence. The text attacks teachers who lack proper training, criticizes overzealous discipline, and mocks those who advance unqualified into higher positions. References to "Board of Supervisors" suggest this critiques San Francisco's school administration specifically. The satirical anecdotes at bottom mock pompous clergy and foolish officials through dialogue, typical of *The Wasp's* humor style. Overall, the piece advocates education reform while ridiculing institutional incompetence and pretension—common *Wasp* targets during the late 19th century.