The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-04-19

pspusaae gtAa Night to Pantalaons,
We have recently chropicled several Of he
strides made By tho softer ssx towards the pos
session Of those intsguments, hitherto deemed
prcprsa que nsoribus." and feel called upon
now to record othsr symptoms more startling
still.
The privilege OF wearing the pantaloons had
ct was whispered) been sometimes before as
sumcd by matrons, but always under the cur
TAIN" or privately; but when young maidsns
publicly parade this attire, and boast of Dress
ing like gentlemen" the propriety of the
general adoption of the moustachs. as the only
safe badge of distinction, may well be considered
by young gentleman of feminine or delicate ap-
pearance Although, when the fair ones take to
the indispensables, there is no knowing how
soon they may resort to the razor too, to render
the resemblance the more complete
A lady correspondent of the Lowell (Mass,)
Cour er, writing from ST. Louis, has suggested
these reflections, by the following statements
which her letter contains. 1t will be remarked
that she also is convert to this last invasion on
the rights of man:
son our way here, was In company with
four young ladies' who were bound to California,
under the protection Of their father and brother;
and as they were all four dressed in male attire,
have thought some account Of them would be
interesting to you. They were from Philadel-
phia, are highly respectnblc-their father, Mr..
Springer, having been an eminent merchant
there who met with reverses in business. first
met this family at Louisville, on board the
steamer on which embarked for st. Louis, and
continued with them to this city. They intend
ed going over the plains, from Independence, in
wagons, and will have long and tedious jour.
ney to perform. They were in fine spirits
however, seeming to look up upon their journey
as a pleasant excursion Their conduct OF the
boat was perfectly lady-like; indeed, every one
was pleased with them. They have supply OF
coarse male apparel for the plains but Their
suits worn on the boat were fashionable and
fine, black dress coats, black pants, buff vests
and hats of glossy black.
The buttons of their vests were plain flat
surfaced and very rich. Their coats and pants
were all modish and fit to nicely Their hair
was cut short and their whole appearance was
gentee They stated to me that they felt per.
fectly at ease in their new garments, and pre-
ferred them to gowns. | asked them whether
they proposed travelling on the plains ia theil
fine cloth suits. They answered in the negative
observing that they had supply of rough
clothes for the Journey but that while they were
yet in civilized regions, they intended to dress
like gentlemen.
Now | can say with perfect truth, that nc
harm or i'll nature resulted from the course
pursued by the Miss Springers Every pas
senger spoke well of them, and the lady pas
sengers, with only one exception, acknowledged
that they no longer saw anything wrong in fe-
males dressing in male attire. Ibegan to think
therefore, that Miss Weber may come to on,
country safely, and not be considered an eccen.
trio. At all events, ! have written to her to that
effect, and volunteered to her cordial reception
But must caution you not to keep your eyes
too intently upon her person, or you will be sure
to fall in love with her She is the beau ideal
of handsome gentleman, and could never de.
sire to see her in female dress. The eldest Of
the Miss Springers is very intelligent and wei
educated. She says the day will yet come wher
all women will wear male attire. have strong
notion of getting handsome suit for myself, tG
be worn occasionally in selected company | dc
not fancy black clothes, and therefore must adop
Miss Webber's evening suit, suppose, the blu,
dress coat, buff vest and drab pants