Life — February 6, 1890 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Water Cure" This political cartoon depicts a large spherical object (appears to be a globe or bomb) submerged in water, with radiating lines suggesting an explosion or violent reaction. The caption reads: "Don't you just see how wet he is now! But I am told there are some inhabitants there yet." The cartoon likely satirizes the "water cure" — a controversial interrogation technique used by U.S. forces during the Philippine-American War (early 1900s). The joke appears darkly ironic: someone is commenting on how thoroughly "wet" a victim is after this brutal torture method, while noting inhabitants remain alive in the Philippines despite American military campaigns. The artist's signature appears to be present at bottom right.