A few historical tidbits for those interested in the so-called ugly laws.
In her book Women In Public: Between Banners and Ballots, 1825-1880, Mary Ryan
refers to a case in 19th century San Francisco in which the Alta California
newspaper reported the arrest of an organ grinder "for affrighting the women
and children of Henry Street into 'conniption fits' by exihibiting a monster
in the shape of a deformed indian. The sight was truly disgusting." The organ
grinder was fined the terrific sum of $50.
Though apparently this case did not emerge directly from an "ugly law," Ryan
suggests that regulations for begging were in place which prevented disabled
beggars from revealing such things as a "decrepit arm" on San Francisco
streets. According to Ryan's interpretation such laws were created in hopes of
protecting the delicate sensibilities of well-to-do women taking part in the
common mid- to late-nineteenth century social practice of promenading.
In my own research I have found evidence from one source that ugly laws,
which existed not only in Chicago and San Francisco, but also in Omaha,
Nebraska, and Columbus, Ohio, were frequently disregarded by police. Policemen
apparently maintained superstitions which allowed them to view disabled
beggars stationed on their beat as good luck charms. The source (from 1918)
also claims that "naturally the police felt that the beggar, who never had
harmed any one, was just being persecuted."
Brad Byrom
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