The Wasp — 1878 — page 280: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a cow being literally squeezed by a large bear. The cow appears emaciated and distressed, labeled with "$" symbols, while the bear grips it firmly in what seems to be a mechanical vise or press. The title "Squeezed Dry" suggests financial exploitation. The bear likely represents either a specific political figure or large business interests of the era, while the cow symbolizes California or its taxpayers/economy being drained of resources through taxation or corporate pressure. The 1876 date places this during the Reconstruction period and Grant administration, a time of significant political and economic tension in California. Without more specific context, the precise target remains unclear, though the imagery clearly critiques aggressive economic or political extraction.