Unattributed “Remonstrations of the Canine Society, against the Dogmatical Proceedings of the City, Councils of Philadelphia"

Unattributed.  “Remonstrations of the Canine Society, against the Dogmatical Proceedings of the City, Councils of Philadelphia.” 

Philadelphia: The Port Folio, June 1821.  Engraving.  With folds as issued.  Old tape on verso and recto left hand side all not affecting image.  Print is somewhat time toned with a few light spots.  Else, good condition.  

The Port Folio was a new type of American magazine, “Devoted to Useful Science, the Liberal Arts, Legitimate Criticism, and Polite Literature.”   It was a product of the new century, appearing first in January 1801.  It began as a weekly issue until 1809, when it became monthly until its demise at the end of 1827.  As with the many magazines that followed it, The Port Folio included numerous illustrations. 

This allegorical caricature most likely refers to the 1821 dog tax that the city of Philadelphia imposed in order to aid the poor.