The Wasp — 1881 — page 134: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a political commentary and gossip page rather than a cartoon page. The main content criticizes California's Republican leadership, particularly targeting Representative McClure for unusual political positioning and Adjutant-General Meredith Tharp for perceived favoritism in election commission appointments. The text mocks the Republican Party's internal divisions ("Democrats are aching to stamp on its ephemeral existence"), references Sacramento legislative scandals involving multiple politicians, and satirizes General Morrow's political maneuvering. A brief poem titled "Love in Dashes" appears at the bottom—likely satirical verse about romantic misadventures typical of the magazine's humor. The overall tone is sharply critical of Republican political machinations and corruption in 1880s California politics.