The Wasp — 1879 — page 150: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* (March 8, 1879) depicts President Rutherford B. Hayes shooting himself in the head with a revolver labeled "ANTI-CHINESE BILL." The cartoon critiques Hayes's veto of anti-Chinese legislation that was popular among California voters and politicians. The document Hayes holds appears to reference his veto message or position. The imagery of "political suicide" suggests the cartoonist believed Hayes's decision would politically destroy him—particularly damaging his standing in California, where anti-Chinese sentiment ran strong during this period of labor tensions and nativist politics. The satire attacks Hayes for what the publication viewed as his politically fatal stance opposing Chinese exclusion measures.