Life — March 9, 1922 — page 15: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This two-panel cartoon satirizes suspicion about pickpockets or theft. In the top panel, a man in a checkered suit frantically gestures at a well-dressed figure in a top hat labeled "CANADA," warning "WATCH THAT CHAP! HE'S DRAWN ON YA!" while Uncle Sam (the tall American figure on the right) holds what appears to be a contract or agreement. In the bottom panel, the Canadian figure produces a "CONFISCATION LEASE" document while the American looks dismayed, having apparently fallen victim to the very behavior warned about moments before. The joke appears to be about Canadian trade practices or economic dealings being deceptive or taking advantage of American interests—depicting Canada as a "pickpocket" stealing from America through suspicious contracts or policies. The "suspicious nature" of the title references both the initial warning and Uncle Sam's gullibility despite it.