Life — August 7, 1890 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A Revenue Fraud" — Life Magazine, August 7, 1890 This cartoon satirizes what appears to be a tariff or customs duty dispute. Two gentlemen in top hats ride in a carriage pulled by a donkey (likely representing a political figure or the public). The caption shows an Algernon (likely a British aristocrat) complaining to his companion about being forced to pay import duty on English goods brought to America, claiming they were "personal use" rather than commercial goods. The satire targets either: 1. **Tariff evasion schemes** by wealthy travelers smuggling goods 2. **Protectionist tariff policies** the U.S. maintained against British imports 3. **Class privilege** — the wealthy claiming personal exemptions from duties ordinary citizens must pay The donkey suggests the public bears the burden of such fraudulent schemes or unfair trade practices.