The Wasp — 1879 — page 603: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts two grotesque figures in military/official dress engaged in a duel or confrontation, with a demonic figure presiding above them holding a "Moral Code" document. The "Moral Code" lists ten rules including prohibitions against blasphemy, desecrating sacred memories, obscenity, and levity. The cartoon appears to mock self-appointed moral arbiters or censors who claim authority to judge others' conduct and speech while being hypocritical or corrupt themselves (suggested by the demonic overseer). The "spare-wits" in the title likely refers to foolish or dim-witted people attempting to enforce morality. The overall satire critiques censorious public figures and moral crusaders of the era as ridiculous and spiritually compromised.