The Wasp — 1888 — page 365: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a bearded man in formal dress being used as a ladder by another figure at the top, who appears to be gesturing toward a flag or banner. The central figure displays text on his clothing reading "THE PRESIDENT IS FRIENDLY TO ENGLAND AND CANADA AND WILL MAINTAIN THIS RELATION" with "VOTE FOR HIM" below. The title "Vain Effort at a Parallel" and the depicted scenario satirize someone attempting to construct a political argument or comparison that fails—the ladder suggests an unstable attempt to reach something. The cartoon appears to criticize a political candidate's claims about foreign relations, particularly regarding England and Canada, suggesting such promises lack solid foundation or credibility.