The Wasp — 1880 — page 314: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical story depicts a man arrested and brought before a judge on charges related to living on Mission Street and selling pig's feet. The narrative mocks both the defendant's circumstances and the judicial proceedings. The humor centers on the absurdity of prosecuting someone for minor street vending, particularly pig's feet sales. The defendant's defense—that he's simply a poor tradesman forced into these activities—contrasts with the judge's stern demeanor, suggesting satirical criticism of harsh legal treatment of working-class immigrants. The illustrations show the arrest scene and courtroom drama, with the title "Non Compos Mentis" (Latin for "not of sound mind") ironically suggesting the legal system itself may be unreasonable in pursuing such petty cases against the impoverished.