The Wasp — 1891 — page 48: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon depicting the sale of American territory and assets. Three well-dressed figures (appearing to represent political/business interests) stand over a prostrate figure labeled "I AM BLIND," auctioning off various American properties marked "FOR SALE": locks, tracts of land, town sites, and railroads. The cartoon critiques what the artist sees as the corrupt liquidation of American resources and infrastructure to foreign or speculative interests. The blindfolded figure represents either the American public or government being exploited while unaware. Signs referencing locations and "P.O.C." (unclear meaning) suggest specific real-estate scandals or speculative schemes of the era. The coastal setting with ships implies international commerce/control over American assets. The signature reads "SAALBURG."