Puck — April 30, 1879 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts class division in dining establishments. The upper panel shows well-dressed men (wearing top hats) queuing at what appears to be exclusive dining stalls or booths, with the caption: "As man is but human would it not be well to separate the 'non-treaters' by stalls." The lower panel contrasts this with a modest meal scene where a man and woman dine simply. The dialogue reads: "Here, Maria, gimme some more. I've finished all this. Behold the result of no cocktails before breakfast." The satire criticizes wealth-based social segregation in restaurants while mocking pretentious dining customs among the wealthy. The "non-treaters" refers to those who don't spend lavishly, suggesting the proposal to separate diners by economic status—a commentary on American class consciousness and commercialism.