The Wasp — 1889 — page 267: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes monetary policy through allegorical female figures representing different nations or economic interests. The prominent "Canada" figure on the left appears to be addressing a gathering of women in formal dress, likely representing nations or economic powers. The text box references putting "every silver dollar into circulation" for "prosperity"—a reference to late 19th-century American monetary debates over free silver coinage. The bottom caption mentions "Will Secretary Blaine perform this instructive exercise," referencing James G. Blaine, a prominent political figure of that era. The satire likely mocks free-silver advocates by depicting the policy as an ineffective spectacle performed for an audience of indifferent or skeptical onlookers. The cartoon criticizes the supposed economic benefits promised by silver advocates.