The Wasp — 1881 — page 416: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two articles: "Beheaded" (a narrative about Abbé Gomart and Madame Dubarry's execution during the French Revolution) and "Holy Pork" (discussing American missionaries in the Pacific). The "Holy Pork" section criticizes American missionary activity, claiming missionaries exploited Pacific Islander populations through trade in pork and other goods. The satire suggests missionaries used religion as cover for commercial exploitation and cultural disruption. It contrasts their stated moral purpose with their actual economic impact on indigenous communities. The darker implication: American missionary work is portrayed as modern colonialism disguised as Christian charity—prioritizing profit and influence over genuine spiritual or humanitarian concerns.