The Wasp — 1879 — page 802: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts San Francisco's celebration of the French Republic's anniversary on July 14th. The image shows chaos at Lone Mountain, where French residents, Swiss immigrants, and Americans gathered to commemorate the occasion with patriotic displays. The satire mocks the "disturbing effects" of the new city charter by portraying the celebration as disorderly—figures are scattered chaotically, buildings appear damaged or unstable, and the scene suggests civic mayhem. The text notes that Liberty Hall (where civic ceremonies occurred) hosted literary exercises, and the Opera House was decorated elaborately, but the cartoon implies the new charter enabled or encouraged such unruly public gatherings that disrupted city order and decorum.