The Wasp — 1896 — page 160: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts two caricatured figures (drawn with racist exaggeration typical of early 20th-century imagery) sitting atop a high wall labeled "TARIFF WALL." Below them lies a pile of goods marked "MADE IN JAPAN" and "MADE IN CHINA," along with other Asian imports. The cartoon critiques American protectionist trade policy. The figures represent those advocating for high tariffs to keep foreign goods out of U.S. markets. The satire suggests that while tariffs may protect certain American industries, they create barriers that accumulate unwanted foreign products and potentially provoke trade conflicts. The caption fragment references "raising the fence higher" to keep out "pesky critters"—using xenophobic language to mock protectionist rhetoric of the era.