The Wasp — 1896 — page 737: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* depicts William McKinley, identified as "American Cyclery" manager, on a bicycle. The figure on the right—labeled "Uncle Sam" in the caption text—warns McKinley that "your machine is a little too poor wheel for the road to Prosperity." The satire plays on McKinley's presidency and economic policies. The bicycle serves as metaphor for his political vehicle or platform, while "cyclery" puns on both cycling and political cycles. The cartoon suggests McKinley's approach to achieving national prosperity is inadequate or flawed—the "wheel" (policy) won't successfully navigate the "road" (economy) ahead. This appears critical of McKinley's economic management or leadership direction during his administration.