The Wasp — 1893 — page 292: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a large hand (representing governmental or capitalist power) gesturing orders to a crowd of working men wearing bowler hats. The banner reads "ORDER TO DEPORT," indicating forced expulsion. The caption references "THE CZAR" and mentions "THE CAUSE OF PROTECTION TO CHEAP ASIATIC LABOR," suggesting this satirizes anti-Chinese/Asian labor sentiment in late 19th-century America. The cartoon's point appears critical: it equates American labor protectionists demanding Asian worker deportation with authoritarian practices (the "Czar" comparison). The massive hand commanding deportation implies this policy serves powerful interests rather than protecting workers as claimed. The satire suggests protectionist arguments were hypocritical—using "worker protection" rhetoric while actually serving capitalist or xenophobic agendas.