The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-11-08

failures of the silk crop must 80 enhance the cost Of
the most expensive fabrics as to compel economy
which will probably be yelled under complete
change Of fashion. There Is always an outstanding
probability Of political changes in France; and it
seems to be the general impression that the proba-
bility can hardly be stronger than II Ii now. 1t
would be the smallest consequence Tin regard TO the
dress question: that the exhibitions OF fantastical
fashions would cease at the Taileries. A more inn
portant consideration is that the social corruption
fostered in France by the autocratic rule Of the last
six years-a corruption fearfully on the increase
from year to year-would give way to that
earnestness, and that power of selfdenial and fru
gality which the French have always shown them
selves capable Of on critical occasions It ia with
some humiliation that we refer to the fortunes OF
France as condition of improvement in England;
but such are the real grounds Of the case. We are
bound to the OF French fashions III the matter
Of dress; and we see no sign anywhere, form the
highest lady in the land to the maid of al work, OF
an impulse to independence, strictly personal as the
matter is.
It is otherwise in another country, where the fine
ladies are even enslaved to Paris fasions than
in our own. In the United States dress reform as
citation has been for some time organized, and ap
pears to be prospecting well. Physicians of emf
hence support it, and that is favorable sign. No
little courage is required to wear a new set OF gar
ments in a community where men are, at least, as
indisposed they are here to allow women to judge
Of their own affairs, and where the majority OF wo-
men arc at least as superstitious and timid under
the dictation as they are here but American women
have stronger stake in dress reform than perhapsany
others. The ladies have more work to do, and GER
tany less health and strength for their tasks It is
80 serious burden to them to wear trammels and
instrumental of torment under the name OF clothes,
that they may well show more courage than others
in throwing them off The general style which IL
proposed by the association seems to be- by univer
sal admission good. 1t covers the human frame
lightly and warmly, and admits of the changes ne
cesstated by temperature with the utmost ease. II
leaves the limbs and trunk free for their respective
1
ever devised. Besides the sort Of beauty which it
derives from its fitness and ease it embraces the best
points OF costumes approved by the experience and
sanction of ages There is no use in talking of the
Boomer dress in Engand--so successful were the
unmany and senseless attempts made in 1851 to dis
credit. The original trick by which it was rendered
disreputable and the unworthy treatment it received
in the popular publications of men who regard them
selves as moralsts, will remain conspicuous among
the Iaches and sins of their time. And better moral
sts-men who were indignant at the bigotry and ty-
ranny Of such conduct in Englishnen, who by no
means relish similar treatment of their own dress in
Eastern conntries-did not assert the rights and
wrongs of the case SO boldly and strenuousy as they
ought to have done. The name Of Boomer had
therefore better be dropped as it seems 10 be by the
American Association but the thing remains in
substance, though with some diversties. Our an
ticpation is, the whole that it will spread in
country where new enterprises and changes Of Gus
tom have a better chance than with The aim Of
the organization is briefly set forth in the second
article of its constitution, in these words -
The objects of this association are induce reform in
womans dress especially in regard TO long skirts tight
waists and all other styles and modes which are ncom
patbe with good health, refined taste, simplicity econo
my, and beauty.
These are sensible objects; and while they arc
promoted with all proper regard to individual liberty
and taste, they will have hearty good will. We
can wish nothing better for our countrywomen than
that they may attain TO degree OF independent
good sense which will qualify them for similar re-
form on their own behalf