Puck — September 26, 1877 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes what appears to be a heated disagreement between two bearded men in 19th-century dress. The figure on the left holds a large paddle or fan labeled "CLERKS MAY GO TO OHIO," while the right figure waves an American flag. A dark silhouette in the foreground appears puzzled or concerned. The caption quotes Hayes: "It strikes me I've got on the wrong kind of an [animal]" — likely "ass," making a self-deprecating joke about his position. The cartoon likely references a political controversy during or after Rutherford B. Hayes's presidency, possibly concerning Ohio politics or a specific policy debate. Without knowing the exact date and context, the specific satirical target remains unclear, though the "bare-back" title suggests riding or instability as metaphors for political difficulty.