New-York tribune., 1873-02-20
ported from ths Committee on Military Affairs. most Of
them being passed.
!" COLLARS AND CUFFS ArVAsSAR COLLEGE,"
A CARD FROM THE PRESIDENT.

CARD FROM THE PRESIDENT.
TO the Editor or TIE Tribune.
SIR: Your yesterdays issue contains COM
munication under tbe above heading signed "T. g."
should not have thought 1t worth noticing, but that
you yourself appear 10 have accepted its statc-
mcnts veritabe facts. and have made 1t
the occasion OF some editorial strfctues on the
supposed management Of Vassar Coege-based, how
ever. on sentiments which IN singular harmony with
those Of Its officers and with its actual management
Your sense OF justice viii, sure allow me space To
correct at least the misstatemeHts OF fact
II Is not true that the Board Of Trustees OF this nsn
ton have been called together TO consider tkc grave
question OF collars and cuffs any other subject, at
this unpropitous Of the year.
II is equally untrue that they any other authorities
OF the College have promulgated bill against those IN
nocent appendages. or threatened accommodation"
against their wearers The Trustees meet but once an
nually, In June.
Their Executive Committee meets once month for
financial business its Faculty week. educa-
iona matters but neither the one nor the other has
been called upon consider this weghty theme, or TO
" discuss any measure great or smalD Of reform in
womans dress"
Let me give you the grain OF truth that has grown to
this mountain falsehood. Some years ago. TO check
tendency to extravagance part OF the students
in their gymnastc suits, simple uniform adopted.
OF gray flannel CLOTH trimmed with single row OF steel
buttons. and a scarlet sash.
only criticism being that 1t perhaps needlessy sober
some Of the Students taking this view sent communi
cation the other day to the Lady Principal (who. as
head OF the college family has supervision of such
matiers) suggesting the addition OF scarlet collar and
cum to the uniform. In order TO give little more spirit
and brilancy Of effect 90 their combined movements.
She decided very sensbly think you VIII say that
though the ch-nge might be an improvement on tho
mere Of taste undesirable TO begin making
changes that though tho expense OF this additional
trimming was a trining matter to some it might be
serious others who needed every dollar for neces
purposes aud that better to let well enough
alone
The girls accepted the decision like the sensible girls
they are and the matter ended II did not make
perceptbe ripple the college life and cannot but
admire the elasticity your correspondents conscience
or the vvacity OF his (her Imagination which has en-
larged 1t TO such dimensions.
word with regard to the sentiments Of your own
paragraph. In them cordially, and they are the
Vlssar College doctrine the subject.
We are not TO inaugurate reforms in womans
dress, but common with other citizens We feel the
need of them, and mean to do part, "a educators
toward nculcatnZ the principles OF womany sense
taste and economy in this rs in other things Trustees
or faculty do not interfere tho personal regimen Of
our students.
That delicate responsibility f., "a IL should be. in-
trusted the lady principal the resident physician "a
cIear-headed thorough going woman). and the lady
teachers and they are ndefatgable. L nclose you a
Circular to Parents" this subject which is sent by
lady principal to every PATRON and which viii show
you the style Of preaching they receive.
Az for the students they get it line upon line pre-
cept upon preecpt tight lacing false har and snowy
jewery included. and, am bound to say the most OF
them profit by the instructions.
The great majority of Yassar College students arc not
liable TO the mputaOns Of vulgar tastes and fashion,
able extravaganza IN which your correspondent IN
duges.
Finally permit me 70 correct the one error INTO whch
YOU have fallen. You say the managers Of the schools
have Il In their power remedy these evils" An expe
0f years faithful endeayor authorizes INC 10
assure You that you are mistaken.
Who paws for these permclOus absurditiesi ., you
say the poor father. "Ie would hardly be father
he failed to These daughters make bat fond Old
fooi of IT'S all" Yes ana that is just what's the matter
whatcver Is true Of other schools, Yassar College has
faithfully tried We have demonstrated with these " IN
fortunate parents" by voice and by pen have plead
with them 20 deny daughters importantly both for
her ake and for ours have assured them that expen-
sve attire Is neither needed here nor desired
When parents have been willing 10 cooperate with US,
the difficulty is easily controlled. But If the poor
father prefers to believe his excited grl tor her iona
mother) on this point. pray what can we do
still We are far from being discouraged with the re-
slts already attained and trust YOU also will continue
your "fathful testimony" Only, please. lay on the
whip where 1t deserved and needed, and where It may
do good.
As for vassar. believe that it IS reasonably sound
Trustees and faculty strongly with you and the IN
huentia class Of s students We have those dOuD-
less especially the younger classes who come wlthih
the sweep Of your censure-sOme who are 80 uhdeVeE
oped that they might be capable Of making such
letter "A this of " l. s." out Of such materials.
But we have Others, and much larger number VINO
could not only give "r 8" lessons Of truhfulness IN
statement but could teach you and me "a good deal
more than We know about reforming woman's dress.
Come and see and bring your wife with You TO assist
your scrutiny We will make you cordially welcome rs
lone ,s Won viii stay and throw our doors wide open Cor
your inspection. -. ~.
And when Won thoroughly informed ABOUT NaSsar
College. we viii content ndy biie your judgment.
J. II. RAYMoSD. Pre-rient OF Vassar College.
P0ughkeepse, " l., Feb. Is. 1853.