The Wasp — 1880 — page 186: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two distinct sections: **Upper Section ("Wasp's Dream"):** A satirical narrative describing a fictional visit to Hell where the Devil escorts the narrator through "a large portion of his subdomain." The text mocks prominent figures of the era—Kearney, Fizgig, Pigley, Beecher, Ingersoll—as inhabitants of Hell, though the specific reasons for their damnation aren't detailed on this visible portion. **Lower Section:** An excerpt from "The Book of the Children of Samuel," a fictional religious narrative. It depicts Chinese immigrants as plague-bringing invaders, using racist stereotypes common to 1870s-80s California. The Semites' repeated "smiled and prospered" suggests ironic commentary on anti-Chinese sentiment and economic resentment. **Right Panel:** A brief humorous anecdote about a waiter and diner discussing "hairs" in food—likely a pun or crude joke. The page reflects period anti-Chinese xenophobia and targets specific public figures through Hell-themed mockery.