The Wasp — 1879 — page 620: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a small figure labeled "BARQUE" (likely referring to a ship or commercial vessel) struggling uphill while being pushed by large hands from above—representing powerful external forces or government intervention. The figure appears to be straining under the weight of this pressure. The caption reads: "UP-HILL WORK IS HELL WORK.—LAWS OF MOTION DEFINED BY MOTIONS OF LAW." This is political satire criticizing how legal/governmental actions make commerce or business operations unnecessarily difficult. The "laws of motion" pun suggests that legal maneuvering creates obstacles to natural economic progress. The cartoon likely critiques San Francisco's regulatory environment or specific legislation affecting maritime commerce during this period.