Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-11-19

Tue Fashions.-Sauntering up Broadway one af ternoon last week, old gentleman of our acquan- tance sitting at his window gazing on the passing multitude, beckoned us in. II want to talk with you," said he-"Every paper I open, has some Convention notice-some assemblage for conven- tona objecs-Free Trade-Tarif--A Masonic -Democratic-Lterary, Religious, &c. &c. Now, if this country is to be governed by Conventions do me the iayor my dear sir, to recom- mend in your valuable paper, as they. call it, Con. vention to regutate the fashions" How the fash ions7 Where IS the necessity offxing on such points by Conyentionl" "Oh, it is very necessary, inds- pensable, and economical, assure you sir-the ec- centrlces of fashion driving us to ruin. have three daughters, sir-young, handsome and accom- pllshed and the world calls them fashionable they do me the favor, SIT, to waste as much money the fashions as would provide a whole year for three poor respectable families" Indeed-how is this7" ' Why, you shall hear. sir they take advantage of fine day to go shopping, and call in at Stewards Low's-Fountan's-the numerous stores in Maiden lane where every thing elegant and costly is to be had;-they do not ask to the goods-they ask for the last fash,onS" and the gentlemen behind the counter hands thema little colored French picture re-
 presenting lady in full dress or in walking dress, which is expounded thus: You see, ma am, this is painted Scryueck muslin, with bishop sleeves and puffs; the bonnet made of Duchess of Kents plush
 this is of Tapioca blue mazarine with treble floun- ces-we have some left at 20 shillings yard this oI'oi ""'h"S ocsS ID pi pea 6iecH iUct CiOtH pure wool made with long sleeves, we sold dress
 to Miss Pumpoline yesterday, at dollars per yard Thus the picture is expounded to perfection, and the girls purchase each one at shilling and come home to dinner.-Tben the exhibition commen ntes I must have dress, pa,' says one; I shall certainly call and see Mrs Martineau to-mofroW about it, says the second; and my youngest, about 16, cries out, While my bonnet IS on, let me run round to Ma dame Allaine and her last dresses' Why, my dear girls, it is but three weeks since paid bill of $10O for new and elegant dresses for you' La, pa they are entirely out of fashion now-the waists are
 longer; they have no founces but beaus in front we can't wear them any longer' Thus you see, my dear sir, how it goes the fashions change every fornighti-every packet that your ast-sailing pilot boat announces, brings new pictures, and thus more money is trimmed out of my pocket Now, if a Convention would settle these points, in solemn con- clave twice year, imagine how much money would be saved to the country. Pray sir say something the occasion" We took our leave of the old gen tleman satisfied that there was much truth in what he said but that the remedy would De worse than the disease. Convention to fix the Fashions, would be filled by all the dashing store-keepers, mliners and mantua-mak ers-the identical impor- tant personagos who are most interested Tn govern
 ing this empire of fashion, eccentric and extravagant as it really is. You may well be out of the world" said lady with theatrical air, as to be out of the fashion."-N, r. Enq