The New York herald., 1864-05-27

the Sham PatFfotisn oe tine Womsn's
Dress II sfsrm Movement.
The pure patriotism and self-abnegation Of
the Northern people in all the essential ele-
ments tending to strengthen their armies and
aid In the suppression OF the rebellion are be-
yond all praise They have Witnessed almost
with fearless eyes entire households swept
away, and fathers, sous and brothers fallen
victims in a most savage and sanguinary war.
Nearly million Of men have been called to
the field within little more than three years,
millions Of treasure have been voluntarily given
by private individuals In hundred different
ways in aid OF the cause, sacrifices OF the most
noble description have been submitted to. In
short, everything that an enlightened people
could do to sustain national name and exist
cnce has been already done to that end, and
the fountain Of patriotism is still far from being
exhausted. But, while we rejoice In these evi-
dcnces Of a sound national vitality and pure
and unsellsh patriotism, we are panied to wit
ness movement started by American women
which is calculated TO deprive themselves Of
auxiliarss which lend charm and elegance to
their natural graces, and which will accomplish
nothing OF good, but indict positive injury
upon the country. We refer to the dress re-
form movemen mt. Let our readers read the fol-
lowing
wONEH's PATRIoTIC ASSOCIATION FOB DININfsHIN0
THE USE OF MronTED LUxURIEs. !.
SAMUEL HooIxR, CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE or
WAYS AND MEANS, HOUSE, OF RkI REsESrAnyEs, AND hR.
ALEXANDER H. RICE, N. O.
HoUsB or REPRESENTATIVES,
WASHINGTON CRY, May 2, 1864
LADIRs-We have received the note with which you
honored respectively uudcr date OF the 18th u In
forming that meeting OF ladies had been held 10
eider tho expedency Of giving up for the present. the
use OF Of the most expensive articles OF luxury,
such Silks satns vevets, laces French millinery,
&C.. and asking opinion respecting the advsabity
that the dmnutiou the foreign debt OF the United
States revenue from this movement. would bo too nc0u
siderable TO be OF much moment You pleased also
70 ask US 10 give you our opiuon OF the expedency OF
your uniting TO carry the proposed measure into effect
and we cheerfully comply with your request.
AS every dollar added to the revenue BY the duty on
imporatioDs involves an expenditure OF more than two
dollars for the cost OF the article abroad the national
wealth will be increased by any reduction OF from
that source Whether the effect the foreign debt
would incnnsiderabc would Of conrse depend
Almost every country has special advantages in regard
to the production OF some articles arising from peculiar
causes, such climate. soil, or the skill derived from
the long pursuit Of employment As general princi
eia to the nation only 80 far exchanges products
which furnish cheaper and better for the pro.
ducs,oiher furnish cheaper and better to
us So fer therefore, the imported articles arc
sary and useful u.s. the foreign which sup
plies them exchange for articles OF production
is useful 10 the country.
On examining statements of the imports or
previous years find the annual value in
manufactures Of silks TO have been about 500 900
IN laces.. l,o00 OO0
or emoroderies aaooooo