The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1876-03-16
A First-Rate Idea.

We copy from tina National Gran
ger the following sensible sugges-
tons on the subject of fashion,
This is the first Of a series proposed
to be written. 1t strikes US as q
feasible plan to introduce this much
needed reform through the Agency
of the Changers, which have taken
foothold in every section of the
country. Fashions, wise or unwise,
are. a tyrant over men and women,
and Miss Thurman has probably hit
upon the most available plan to ag-
tate and introduce a reform that
will be more reasonable and less eX-
/ peusive to our people. The article
has much thought for the reading
public, and will invite active atten-
ton:
1--WE are proposing to bring about
a reform in dress, and we want every
Granger in this land to help US in
this great undertaking. 1t is no
easy matter to persuade people who
have been long accustomed to a GER
tain train Of circumstances, to be
lieve that it is necessary for a change
to be brought about
''The fashions which we have been
patronizing are imported from for
eign nations, and they are not
adapted to the wants of our people.
We, therefore, propose to lay aside
foreign styles entirely, and invent
fashions of our own. l do not
mean by this that we intend to let
every family, or even every neigh
borhood, arrange its own styles;
but we intend to establish a Nation
al Council at Washington, which is
to arrange fashions foF the nation.
This Council is to be composed of
individuals chosen and sent from
each State and Territory in the
Union.
Let us consider briefly why such
a reform in dress is necessary.
First because all sensible ladies are
tired of the frequent change Of the
present fashions. They want some
thing more permanent and at
nded with less expense. The
present style Of dress consumes too
much goods. We can invent a style
which will present a more favorable
appearance, out of much less mate
rial Again, the hats and bonnets
pass out of style too soon for the
amount of money they cost. Only
think of il! this country pays up
I wards of seventy one millions of
dollars every year for hats and bon
nets. We can economic greatly in
this and at the same time, wear
what will be far more becom-
ing than the present styles. Sec
ondly, the masses of the people in
this new-settled country have not
the means to furnish their families
with all paraphernalia which these
ever changing fashions demand,
and at the same time supply them
with the literature which they need
to prepare them for useful positions
in society. The consequence is,
that the dress is supplied and the
rest neglected. 1t is bound TO be
so, or the young lady must not at
tempt to appear in society. Gentle
men are too often inclined to think
that a lady can dress fashionably or
not just as she pleases, and still be
respected. This idea is a great mis-
take. Under the present dispense
ton, if lady determines to array
herself in old styles, she may at the
same time make up her mind TO be
neglected and pass out of society,
for such will certainly be her doom.
For, notwithstanding gentlemen
say so much against fashions, not
one of them will visit young lady
who does not dress fashionabIy. If
we had more permanent styles, al
most every lady could dress well,
with one fourth Of the money and
time that is now requires. Then
few young ladies will End them
selves unhappy, or afraid Of being
sighted on account Of dress.
MAMIE THURMAN.