Judge — January 8, 1887 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration depicts a mugging scene. A man in a striped suit and hat—appearing to be a circus performer or entertainer—is being robbed by two menacing dogs while holding a police shield labeled "MUGGINS POLICE." The cartoon is a visual pun on the word "mugging," which has a dual meaning: both literal robbery and the theatrical facial expressions performers make. The performer's costume (striped suit, ruffled collar) suggests a circus clown or vaudeville act, while the aggressive dogs and police shield create the robbery scenario. The satire likely mocks either law enforcement's ineffectiveness at preventing street crime, or possibly comments on theatrical "mugging" as a form of performance being "robbed" of legitimacy. The exact political context remains unclear without the full article text.