The Wasp — 1881 — page 172: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* contains poetry rather than political cartoons. Under "OUR OWN POETS," three poems appear: 1. **"The Governor's Ball"** by General W.H.L. Barnes describes a social gathering with military and political figures, mentioning "Perkins," "Neumann," and other officials. The poem satirizes the pretensions and hierarchies of Sacramento's elite social scene. 2. **"On Filigree"** by General John M'Comb appears to mock decorative excess and superficiality. 3. **"On Christmas Tide"** by J.B. Haggin uses holiday charity as a vehicle for social commentary. The page's "Home Department" section offers domestic advice unrelated to satire. The poems use gentle mockery of California's political establishment and high society rather than sharp visual caricature.