Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1857-05-23
HOop Skirts-A Predicament.

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The Richmond Wing contains the fol-
lowing:
The wits aid critics of the present
day have merciIessy rdiculed and lam
pooned the fashionable "hoop skirts and
crinoline, introduced by the French Em.
press. A great deal has been uttered a
gainst the fashion that might, with pro
priety, have been lef: unsaid. We have
no doubt, however, that most of the jeuC
de'sprn elected by the hoops originated
in spirit of fun, for none but miserable
misogynist could so far ignore the respect
due 10 womankind as 10 indulge in mali
cious raillery towards them, intended TO
be discourteous and offensive. The la
dies think that the other sex should not
interfere al all with their modes, but the
criticism of the 'lords Of creation" is as
inc evitable as death or taxes, and serves
good purpose by preventing fashion from
running into extremes. In regard TO the
"hoop question:" we take this occasion
10 ''de6ne our position. Firstly, as
general rule, we are in favor of the ladies
wearing any article of dress that may suit
their fancy, or be adap,e! TO their means
having no lear that they will adopt any
stye that will render them less beautiful
than they are, or vioiative OF social pro-
priety. Secondly we are in favor of
moderate degree of crinoline for anatomi
cal reasons, which may be suggested, if
not elaborated and moreover, because
the roiundity impaired 10 the external
dress is graceful, symmetrical and "pleas-
ant 10 behold" We close this homily
with the annexed description Of an adven-
ture, introduced as friendly admoniion
to the queens of the magic circle:
few days ago, modest young gentle
man Of our acquaintance attended the
morning service in one of our fashionable
churches. He was kindly shown into a
luxuriously cushioned pew, and had hard
! Iy se,ted himself, and taken an observa-
ton Of his neighbors, before beautiful
young lady entered, and with a graceful
wave of the hand, preventing our friend
from rising TO give her place, quietly sunk
! into a seat near the end. When hymn
was given out, she skillfully found the
page, and with sweet smile, that set his
heart humping, handed her neighbor the
book. The minister raised his hand in
PRAYER, and the fair girl knelt, and in this
posture perplexed her friend to know
which most to admire, her beauty or her
devoutness. Presently the prayer was
concluded, and the congregation resumed
their seats. Our friend respectfully rais-
ed his eyes from the fair form he had been
so earnestly scanning, lest when she look
ed up she would detect him staring al her.
After couple of seconds he darted fur
tive glance al his charmer, and was as
tonshed 10 see her still on her knees he
looked closely. and he saw that she was
much affected, trembling in violently agi-
ta,ion. no doubt, from The eloquent power
Of the preacher. Deeply sympathzing
he watched her closely. Her emotion
became more violent, reaching her hand
behind her, she would convulsively grasp
her cloihing. and strain, as it were, 10 rend
The brilliant fabric Of her dress. The
sight was exceedingly painful 10 behold,
but he still gazed like one entranced with
wolder and sS,onishmen,. After a min-
ute the lady raised her face. heretofore
conre aleu- IN Ire cushion, and with her
hand made an unmiS,ak able heckon 10 our
friend. He quickly moved along the pew
towards her and inclined his ear. as she
evidently wished 10 FAY something.
please help me, sir" she whispered,