The Wasp — 1890 — page 286: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts Uncle Sam (identifiable by his striped pants and characteristic appearance) as a farmer inspecting a dog, while a chorus of tramps watches from behind a fence labeled "PROTECTIVE TARIFF." The satire critiques the protective tariff policy: Uncle Sam seeks "a first class watch dog" to guard his farm, while the tramps (likely representing unemployed workers or foreign competitors) observe from outside the tariff barrier. The cartoon suggests the tariff was meant to protect American interests, but the joke implies it may attract undesirable elements or fail to provide genuine security. The various animals and chaotic farm scene reinforce the disorder of protectionist economic policy during the 1890s tariff debates.