The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-04-01
NUN B Err 8.


modes rs we are Of ours. The only diff
ference is, that, as our states of mind
change more rapidly, there is correspon-
ding and more rapid change in our fash
ions. You change as we'll as we do
but slower"
y
How could you talk to uncle Absalom
and aunt Abigail as you did 2" said Hen
ry Grove TO his sister, as they walked
slowly home together.
Didn't l make out my point 7 Didn't
l prove that they too were votaries of
the tickle goddessi"
Il think you did, in a measure"
"And in a good measure too. So give
up your point, as you promised, an con-
fess yourself an advocate of fashion"
II don't see clearly how can do that,
notwitstanding all that has past tonight;
for do not nationally perceive the use of
all these changes in ,lress."
II am not certain that l can enlighten
you fully on the subject; but think that
may, perhaps in a degree, if you will al
low my views the proper weight on your
mind"
Il will try to do so; but shall not pro-
mise to be convinced"
"No matter. Convinced or not con-
vinced, you will still be carried along bv
the current. As to the primary cause of
the change in fashion, it strikes me that
1t Is one of the visible effects of that process
OF change ever going on in the human
mind. The fashion of dress that prevails
may not be the true exponent of the inter-
nal and invisible states, because they must
necessarily be modified in various WAYS
by the interests and false tastes of such
individuals as promulgate them. Still,
this does not effect the primary cause"
Granting your position to be true,
Mary, which l am not fully prepared to
admit or deny-why should we blindly
follow these fashions!"
ave need not 6lindly. For my part,
l am sure that l do not blindly follow
them"
"You do, when you adopt fash:on
without thinking it becoming"
THAT l never do"
"But surely, you do not pretend to say
that all fashions arc becomingi"
"All that prevail to any extent, appear
so, during tho time Of their prevalence,
unless they involve an improper exposure
Of the person, or are injurious to health"
That IS singular"
"But is it not trne?"
Perhaps it is. But how do you ac-
count for it Z"
"On the principal that there are both
external and internal causes at work mo-
dyfying the minds perceptions of the ap-
propriate and the beautiful"
"Mostly external, should think, such
as desirr to be in the fashion, etc"
That feeling has its influence no doubt,
and operates very strongly"
But is it right feelings"
~. is right or wrong according to the
end in view. If fashion be followed from
no higher view than selfish love of being
admired, then the feeling is wrong"
"Can we follow fashion with any other
end r.
ANSWER the question yourself. You
follow the fashions"
"I think but little about them, Mary"
"And yet you dress very much like
people who do"
THAT may be so. The reason Is, do
not wish to be singular"
"Why."
For this reason. A man who affects
any singularity Of dress or manners, loses
his true influence in society. People be-
gin to think that there must be within,
mind not truly balanced, and therefore do
not suffer his opinions, no matter how
sound to have their own true weight"
"A very strong and just argument
why we should adopt prevailing usages
and fashions, if not immortal or injurious
to health. They are the badges by which
we are known as one of the social mass
around us-diplomas which give to our
opinions their Legitimate value. could
present this subject in many other points
Of view. But it would be of little avail,
if you are determined not to be con-
vinced."
II am not so determined, Mary. What
you have already said, greatly modifes
my view Of the subject l shall, at least,
not ridicule your adherence to fashion, if /
do not give much thought to it myself"
II will present one more view. A right
attention to dress looks to the deyelope-
ment Of that which is appropriate and
beautiful to the eye. This is universal
benefit. For no one can look upon n
truly beaatifal object in nature or art,
without having his mind oorreSpsadingly
elevated and impressed with beautiful iG-
images, and theae do not pass away like
spectrums, but reHaaiE ever aftsr more or
less distinct bearing, with them an eleva-
ting influence upon the whole character.
Changes in fashson, so far ~ they present
new and beautiful forms, new asyapae-
ments, and new and appropriate conbina-
ton Of colors, are the dictates of B s,we
taste, and so far do they tend TO bcaefit
society" -
aBut fashion il not alwnva so hiresta&