The Wasp — 1881 — page 119: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a satirical poem mocking what appears to be a fashionable social trend among San Francisco's elite—specifically, the "de Splae" craze (likely referencing a specific person or social figure whose name the OCR didn't capture clearly). The poem ridicules wealthy society members for their pretentious obsession with this trend, using biting language about "dazzling dress fools," "nuptials o'er," and "happy pairs." It criticizes their materialism, political hypocrisy, and moral corruption while claiming to represent "common people." The satire suggests San Francisco's upper classes were caught up in shallow fashionable pursuits while ignoring serious social issues. The accompanying magazine reviews and letters section indicate this was typical Wasp content—sharp-edged social and political commentary aimed at contemporary Bay Area society.