The Wasp — 1879 — page 754: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features three portrait engravings labeled "J.L. Meares," "F.J. Shackelford," and "W.F. McAllister," apparently prominent figures of the period. The surrounding text discusses these individuals' careers and accomplishments, including references to Congressional votes, land development, and public service. However, without additional context about the specific date of publication or these individuals' notoriety in 1880s-90s California politics, I cannot definitively explain what satirical point *The Wasp* intended. The magazine was known for lampooning political and business figures, but the text here reads more as biographical summary than obvious mockery. More historical context would be needed to identify the specific satire or joke the editors intended.