Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1883-11-08

EVOLUTION OF THE DUDE.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE LAu-DE-
DAB CLASS.
New York Letter. /

exists in great numbers in New York, though
he is unknown lin his full-biown state) in
neighboring cities. He is the result of in
herited wealth and European travel, and his
stamping ground includes the Fifth avenue
hotel, the Hoffman house, the Leland cafe,
the Hotel Brunswick, Delmonicos, and the
west side OF broadway, from l4th to 34th
street. lie invariably spends portion of
every evening at the theatre, and would not
miss first night under the most adverse
circumstances.
The young IMAM about-town changes bit
in his manner and in the fashion of his
clothes every year. Three years ago he was
what was commonly known as "swell."
lie wore profusion of jewelry, waxed
moustache and brightly gloved hands. The
following year he was more after the Pari
sian "masher' type. His boots were var
nished leather, with yellow tops and of ex
tremely small dimensions. His finger nails
were carefully polished every morning. his
hair beautifully banged, and his attire ultra
fashionable. He was much addicted 10
evening dress, and wore three eweled studs
IN vast shrt-front. 1t was bis aim then TO
be jolly, happy and fast. He drank late.
and was the widest of dancers at the French
balls
Last year change came over the spirit
of his dreams, and he developed into the
dude. He was no longer jolly, but became
selt-contained, reserved and inert. He dis
carded his jewelry, with the exception of n
small ring and solitary plain gold stud in
the middle of his shirt front, and his shoes
were narrowed to a cruel point. He affect
ed bldse airs, gave up cigars for cigarettes.
and eschewed all jollitv He sat through
theatrical performances without a smile or a
tear, and drank sherry, seltzer and milk
His life seemed wearisome. His trouSers
were cut extremely close to the leg, and he
wore huge bell-crowned hat on the hack
OF his head. His collars were so lary, os
to become grotesque.
The Hood of ridicule aud abuse which ha,
been directed against the dude ha, had III
effect, the dude Is slowly giving in to ponu-
lar opinion. His collars have shrunken un-
I'll they are now of unexceptionable size
ms trousers are larger in the leg, and he is
often detected IN the act of smoking mems
cigars instead of puny and ill-smeling Gig
afe'tes' lie wears more cheerful express
sion and often smiles but he is on the rag
Sed edge OF lndecsion. He does not know
what line to adopt this wear In few
weeks, however, the weathier Young men
about town Will have returned from their
European trips with new wardrobes and
manners. lney will be eagerly copied by
their fellows, and the result will be that the
winter style OF young -men-a n-about-town will
be IN fu.l bloom long before THANKSGIVING
day. o'''"e
Inc indications are that he will be some
thing after the "Old Chappie," style of youth
VINO Is at present quite the go in the British
metropolis. lie will wear dress suit on
ali possible occasions, and he will affect an
easy, good-natured but slightly bored man
ner. HIS coats will be square shouldered.
ana MS canes vcry large. He will frequent
swell music halls as Roster 4 Riels and
the tasIno, and viii remain AS ever the an
Ject worshipper of actresses.
AT rough estimate should say there
are from one hundred to one hundred and
twenty hrSt class specimens of the Young
man-about-town in New York. They are
all more or less acquainted, and are together
constantly. They know almost everyone
and are the most lucrative patrons of
the theatres, as they are constant attend
ants, and always buy the best seats. \
large part Of their enjoyment Of the
attical performance consists in walking M
the center aisle after each act and gain,
with naughty Indifference at their neighbor>
W hcn they see an acquaintance they bow
with great sweetness and grace. for they
know everyone is looking at them and that
there Is a good chance 10 make an murr>
>ioA. They 70 cut after ever, act and When
the play Is over they repair t. Gr,r,.
Browns chop house. Delmonicn'> or ou, If
The numerous hotels Here the, i, anI
cha' ~ dc>u.'pry way uu,l. Two ur three