The Portland daily press., 1871-10-31

Many person has oeen written down an
ass simply because of entertaining practical
common-sense views upon some certain sub
ject, = medical, scientific, or otherwise.
Young America, and Old America, too, some
times, delights in pronouncing those whose
recommendations or suggestions are uncou-
genial because in advance of notions held by
themselves,) perfect lunaticsl
1t is quite q study thoroughly to "examine"
"well-dressed" person, especially a lady.
Yet we are obliged to limit ourselves almost
wholly to the externals when we do so. And
if the "outside' presents so much elaboration,
how much must remain "hidden" upon
which weary personal toll has also been ex-
pended!
The term "make-up" is often used when
speaking of an actor as he appears in charac-
ter' upon the stage. This expression is
good one--full of emphasis and meaning.
We would not for the world appear ungallant,
but it strikes us as just the word to use when
speaking of "dressed-up" lady. Zone of
Dickens's characters, you remember, calls it
"the best-groomed woman in the stud. y
Mind you, we are very fond of the ladies.
There is not a particle of cynicism in our na-
ture towards them. We adore them. But
we also pity.
1t has often and truly been remarked that
| if persons were compelled 10 endure,,as pun
| ishment, some things which are self-imposed,
| the voice of the community would be loudly
heard denouncing the cruelty,
That there is much discomfort experienced
| by women in connection with their dressing"
| requires no argument. 1t will be conceded
| by all without debate. And when we take
into account also the expense and waste OF
time, we feel obliged TO believe that the
| daughters of Eve have shocking hard tims'
of it. Husbands and fathers think, too, that
| they have.)
Thus far we have confined ourselves to an
assertion mainly. Let us now look into the
| matter little deeper its effect up
on the health, particularly the nervous sys
TEN, of maintaining the quetness on which Sc
much OF happiness depends. A fidgety, ner.
vous person cannot feel truly happy. I'm
| steady, disquiet nerves are among the mos
distressing ills that humanity endures.-
| Thereby digestion is deranged, the mind be-
clouded, and ''dumps" promulgated. al
| this, certainly, and great deal more which
i may not be publicly discussed.
l In spoaking of thu iaasenoo or "dssss, - VIZ
| have reference in our remarks to every por
tion of the human frame; and, as the body
/ rests upon the feet, we will lake a peep al
them. What pen can write the torture en-
| dured by those two important members
When the tightly fitting boot is laced or but
toned, and the lady sweepingly passes out up
on the pare, frequently the only thing that
keeps her from screaming, is what people
| would say who heard her shrieks! But il
| they were all honest, should she vent hel
feelings, many of them would join the chorus
Certain it is that this one evil causes much
unhappiness, illhealth, and discontent-irri
tating the mind to a greater or less degree
Other writers, in alluding to this roint, hav
confined themselves to lamenting its effect.
upon the poetry of motiob," which is ba(
enough; but what is that in comparison Il
impeding the natural healthy circulation o
the blood through the brain and entire sys
TEN?
1t would not be difficult matter to poin
out many articles of lady's toilet which are
causing her discomfort. The facts are so wei
known, however, that we drop special allu-
sion to them.
My principal aim in this paper is to show
that "dress" is injurious 10 health not a:
dress (which all know, but by reason of thu
many annoyances and irritation it produce
the wear and tear engendered, first in Sc
lecting, then in arranging, "fitting" the nu
merous articles which go to make up lady,
toilet. Every woman can fully appreciat
these remarks. She knows, and saws. tba
"dress is the "plague of her life" Wha
would she not give, if she had the gift to be
stow, to posses the power to dress richly
elaborately, exquisitely, and all combines
with comfort!
But this is point that never can be reaeh
ed. HIt never has been, and it never VIII De
an easy thing to "dress in the fashion. G.
Between it and comfort is great gun nA
ed. There is no attainable heaven lor thos'
who dress a la mode. II ladies will do thu
one, they must forego the other. Many seen cen
willing to make the sacrifice, practlcing self
immolation daily. They deliberately bic
good.by to comfort, suffer untold annoyances
and, besides, undermine their health. Thu'
they begin the day, and thus they end it,
Thus they begin the year and thus they enc
it. At the end Of life they are laid away in
casket. and then only their poor body know
what rest and comfort are! Those poor ach
ing heads are only then quieted; and thos
straining icy eyes are sun, at last, in their wear
sockets; the tortured body is permitted to la,