Life — November 16, 1899 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis This cartoon satirizes labor disputes on Broadway trolleys in early 20th-century New York. The main image shows a streetcar accident or disruption, with passengers scattered and a person lying on the ground. The inset cartoon depicts a well-dressed figure (likely management or city authority) posting a rule stating "ALL DELAYS WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE WAGES OF THE MOTORMAN AND CONDUCTOR." The caption reads: "DON'T BLAME THE GRIPMAN. HE IS ONLY OBEYING ORDERS." The satire critiques how management shifts blame downward to workers while implementing punitive wage policies that incentivize dangerous practices—essentially holding employees financially responsible for circumstances beyond their control, contributing to accidents and poor service.