The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1855-02-09
Ladies' Health.

This subject is one that oug ht to interest all !;
not the ladies only, but also those who have sis
ters o: wives, or who may one day De blessed
with one Of the latter. young may be-
come interested in one OF the lovely in our
land, possessed ofevery quality 10 make him hap
py, yet from carelessnes6, proceeding either from
houghtlessncss or want Of knowledge, the rich
treasures of loving heart and brilliant intellect
are enshrned in fragile casket. He may WOO
and win her 10 his heart and home, while the
seeds of death lurking in her system, and in a
few brief years be left to mourn over the wreck Of
bghed hopes, and wonder at the 'dlspensatlons
OF Providence little dreaming that all this pro-
ceeded from early neglect. Sad it is when, after
years Of patient, loving and wachfuness, his
home is thus darkened; but far sadder is it when
the cause can be traced directly back to known i'm.
prudence IN early youth. when, order 10 dress
| iashinnably, health had been endangered.
Would that the women OF America would arouse
to a consciousness of the responsibility resting
upon them, and firmly dscountenance any de.
mand of fashion which can seriously affect their
health OF what consequences will it be some
twenty years hence whether they now strictly
conform 10 its every caprice or not? but if by so
doing their health is injured, how fearfulIy will
they then the effects of their mad folly, not
only IN themselves, but, it may be, in their chill
dren also. In a world where we begin with
should see that their own duty is accomplished.
Look at the sterner SEX who, though they va.
ry their own dress as fashion dictates, seem to
have sensible leader to follow, for in what
particular you find them sacrificing health TO
its demands? They may wear combinations Of
the Vesuvus paern,' Goals long or short-wa sled,
yet they are careful to dress so as to keep warm
| aud dry.
Look at their Icet. You do not see one in a
hundred venture forth in damp. chilly weather
! with thin soled cloth boot. No; they wear boots
with thick soles ana high heels, while, on the 9TH
er hand, you will not one woman in a thou.
said who, when the rain is not pouring, but when
| the pavement is only dam? and cold, wears any
thing thicker than single soled prunella gaiter
If you doubt my assertion go look for yourself at
the thousands who walk in our crowded cites.-
Now, ask, why is it so? Why is there such
difference? Is it that women are inferior 10 men
in The possession of good common sense, or is it
that they dress in this absurd manner to please
the eye of man! 1fso, he must bear soma of the
blame, it, instead of boldly contemning their folly,
no cnoouruSco them by odnnirins tho beauty of
teet dressed IN this manner. Let fair ladies dress
as they please IN their warm houses, or in warm,
dry weather, but for PHYS sake, in cold, winter
weather, let them find something warmer than a
boot which strong, healthy man would moi con-
slider sufficient protection for himself against the
dews Of summer.
We are called the weaker sex but, judging
only by appearances, it is sad misnemer ; for
what man ever thinks Of gong out on a cold au.
unn winters day with but thickness of EN-.
brodered lace muslin over his chest, though
underneath a warm outer covering, which, every
time it is In anywise displaced, let's the cold, keen
air creep into the very seat of life 7 Not he. He
has his warm coat buttone6 up TO the chin. He
does moi go out with flowing sleeves, with fur
cuff to keep part Of the arm warm, leaving plenty
OF room for the cold wind TO penetrate around the
upper and more susceptible portion Of the arm
No-hls sleeves are thick, long and warm. And
why is it that fashion cannot dictate as suitable
dress for ladies' wear In winter, she does in
summer, when she rarely errs. She might. with
as much propriety, insist upon our wearing lurs
aud veve. in midsummer, as in wearing lace che
misets, lnce flowing sleeves, ETC., promenade
dress IN winIer.-Honae Journal. a .--.t