Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-07-16
HOOP sK1RTs-.-A PREDICAMENT.

HOOP SKIRTS---A PREDICAMENT
The Richmond Whig contains the follow
ing: The wits and critics of the present day
have mercilessly ridiculed and lampooned the
fashionable "hoop-skirts" and crinoline, In
troduced by the French Empress. A great
deal has been uttered against the fashion that
might, with propriety, have been left unsaid.
We have no doubt, however, that most of the
jeur desprit elected by the hoops originated
in spirit of fun, for none but despicable
misogynist could so so far ignore the respect
due to womankind as to indulge in malicious
raillery towards them, intended to be dis
courteous and offensive. The ladies think
that the other sex should not interfere at all
with their modes, but the criticism OF the
sslords of creation" is as inevitable as death
or taxes, and serves a good purpose by pre-
venting fashion from running into ex-
tremes. In regard to the "hoop question, ="
we take this occasion to "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 adapted to their
means-having no fear that they will adopt
any style which will render them less beau.
tiful than they are, or be violative Of social
propriety. Secondly, we are in favor OF a
moderate degree Of crinoline for anatomical
reasons. which may be suggested, if not ella
borated; and moreover, because the rotun-
dity Impaired to the external dress is grace
full, symmetrical, and 'pleasant to behold
We close this homily with the annexed de-
scription of an adventure, introduced as a
friendly admonition to the queens of the
magic circle:
A few Sundays ago, modest young gen.
tleman of our acquaintance attended the
morning service in one of our fashionable
churches. He was kindly shown into a
luxuriously- y-cushioned pew, and had hardly
settled himself, and taken an observation OF
his neighbors, before beautiful young lady
entered, and with graceful wave of the
hand preventing our friend from raising to
give her place, quietly sunk into seat near
the end. When hymn was given out, she
skilfully found the page, and with sweet
smile that set his heart a 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
devoutness. Presently the prayer was con-
cluded, and the congregation resumed their
seats. Our friend respectfully raised his
eyes from the fair form he had been so ear
nestly scanning, lest when she looked up she
would detect him staring at her. After
couple of seconds, he darted a furtive
glance at his charmer, and was astonished to
see her still on her knees; he looked closely,
and saw that she was much affected, trem-
bling in violent agitation, no doubt, from
the eloquent power of the preacher. Deep
ly sympathizing, he watched her closely
Her emotion became more violeut; reaching
her hand behind her, she would convulsive-
ly grasp her clothing, and strain, as it were,
to rend the brilliant fabric of her dress. The
sight was exceedingly painful to behold;
but he still gazed, like one entranced with
wonder and astonishment After minute
the lady raised her face, heretofore concealed
in the cushion, and with her hand made an
unmistakable beckon to our friend. tie
quickly moved along the pew towards her,
and inclined his ear, she evidently wished
10 saw something.
"Please help me, sir" she whispered,
"my dress has caught, and l can't get up"
A brief examination revealed the cause of
the difficulty; the fair girl wore fashionable
high-heeled shoes; kneeling on both knees,
these heels of course stuck out at right an
giles; and in this position the highest hoop of
her new-fangled skirt caught over them, and
thus rendered it impossible for her to raise
herself or straighten her limbs. The more
she struggled, the tighter she was bound
so she was constrained to call for help. This
was Immediately, if not scientifically, rem
dered and when the next prayer was made,
she merely inclined herself upon the back of
the front pew-thinking, no doubt, that she
was not in praying costume.