The Wasp — 1881 — page 418: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a man wielding a club labeled "PROTECTION" striking a donkey. The donkey wears multiple bands labeled with what appear to be state or regional names (including "ARIZONA" and "PACIFIC STATES"). The figure on the left represents someone advocating for protectionist trade policies, while the donkey symbolizes either the Democratic Party (traditionally represented as a donkey) or specific western interests opposing such policies. The title "KICK" suggests the cartoon satirizes the forceful, aggressive nature of protectionist advocacy. The labels on the donkey likely identify which regions or states are being politically "kicked" by protection measures. The satire critiques either the brutality of protectionist tactics or their negative impact on western American interests. Without the publication date, specific political context remains unclear.