Too many Shylocks
Subject(s): Boxer Rebellion (China : 1899-1901), China, Edward VII, King of Great Britain, 1841-1910, International relations, Kings and rulers, Meiji, Emperor of Japan, 1852-1912, Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia, 1868-1918, Sin, Uncle Sam (Symbolic character), William II, German Emperor, 1859-1941
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The emperors of Russia, Japan, and Germany, and the king of Great Britain each hold a balance scale, and all but “Japan” hold a paper that states their country’s “claim for indemnity.” They are confronting a kneeling, shocked Chinese man labeled “China.” In the background, on the right, Puck is handing a cap and gown to Uncle Sam, suggesting that he play the role of “Portia” and outwit the “Shylocks.” Caption: Puck (to Uncle Sam). — That poor fellow needs a Portia. Why don’t you take the part?
Comments and Context
In a somewhat inverted depiction of the actual situation in China as the Boxer Rebellion reached its most dangerous threats to colonial powers, the cowering Chinese figure is being pressured to deliver multiple pounds of flesh, in the cartoon’s reference point: Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. Also unique to cartoonist Pughe’s point of view is that Uncle Sam (the United States) was acting differently than the other colonial nations, which was not quite true.
Collection
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Creation Date
1901-03-27
Creator(s)
Pughe, J. S. (John S.), 1870-1909
Period
Governor of New York (October 1898-1900)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
Page Count
1
Record Type
Image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Too many Shylocks. [March 27, 1901]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o275825. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Pughe, J. S. (John S.), 1870-1909. Too many Shylocks. [27 Mar. 1901]. Image.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 24, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o275825.
APA:
Pughe, J. S. (John S.), 1870-1909., [1901, March 27]. Too many Shylocks.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o275825.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 24, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
APA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
