The Wasp — 1880 — page 185: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **not a political cartoon** but rather a **literary/satirical poem** titled "STINGS" about California and San Francisco governance. The visible illustration shows a **wasp mascot** (the magazine's logo), not a political figure caricature. The poem critiques San Francisco's municipal problems—specifically referencing "the treble distilled scum of the earth" governing the city. It attacks what appears to be **corrupt or incompetent city leadership**, though specific officials aren't named in this section. The poem also mocks California's wealth ("land of milk and honey," "mountains rich with mines") while criticizing monopolies and exploitation ("Monopolies, fast binding / These in their cursed chains"). The page includes publication details and subscription rates, confirming this is primarily a **miscellaneous satirical magazine page** rather than focused political commentary with identified caricatures.