The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-09-06
WOMEN IN TROUSERS.
Progress of the Rational Dress Movement
Two of Its votarfes Interviewed.

Chicago Inter-Ocean.
The sensation of the Canadian press al
present is the arrival of two young
ladies, leaders of the rational dress
movement. They are two ladies re.
markably efficient, with bright looks,
and dressed with refined simplicity
that suggested study but scarcely cd
dity. They wore no ornaments, had
short hair, little serviceable soft hats,
and fat, plain shoes. Around their
ankles appeared what seemed at first
sight plated petticoat. On more in
tent inspection the garment was clearly
divided, and at last was seen the trous-
ers of the dress reformers. The elder
lady was Mrs. E. NJ. King, secretary OF
the Rational Dress association of Great
Britain. The younger lady, handsome
and wholesome, was Miss Glen, Mrs.
Kings friend and confidential assist
ant. "Yes," said Mrs. King to cor
respondent, clam wearing the rational
dress. l always wear it, not only
as point of duty, but for
pleasure. 1t is comfortable, healthful,
manageable, and cool or warm, as one
may wish. These are trousers" and
she drew up her skirt some inches,
"made just like your own, except the
pleating, and always will maintain in
finitely more decent than petticoats. In
the wind petticoats are not coverings; in
the mud petticoats draggle or have to be
carried in the hand. They cause colds
and diseases innumerable. Why should
not women wear trousersP No, don't
believe in initiating mems garments.
This dress is distinctly woman's dress.
1t merelyis arranged in recognition that
women have two legs, and why they
should not make the admission in their
dress, if thus they gain comfort, is more
than any one can tell. We don't invade
mans domain, but merely assert the
right of women to break through alb
surd traditions, set dress makers at def
ance, and make themselves comfortable.
Yes, we have discarded the regulation
bony, stiff stays. We leave our bodies
at ease, though bodices, allowing free
dom of movement, are, of course, often
worn by ladies who think as we do.
The rational dress movement is widely
in England"
Speaking of the Harberton dress,
Miss Glen says: "You know the re-
formers split into two sections on the
trousers question. Reformers generally
10 split, I think; don't you? Lady
Harberton's party want to wear their
;rousers very wide-a couple of yards
around each leg. There is no particu-
ar advantage in that. What are the
advantages of thisP Why, 1 am liv-
ng example of them. Eighteen months
lgo, though did not wear an array of
leavy bugle trimmings and superfous
,egaws, my clothes weighed from
welve to fourteen pounds. Now all
hat have on weighs but four and one
laf pounds. Dressmakers are our worst
but husbands and fathers can
,e counted on to neutralize their hos
ility in time. You can't think how
much money this saves, not to mention
he absence of costly, foolish ornamen-
alton and expensive fancy sewing.
.enghthy DOCTORS bills do not grow for
antilles where the ladies wear our gar
nents. Now here are pamphlets
showing some to your correspondent
ZEE, dinner dresses, tricycle. dresses,
ireek costumes, ball dresses, Alpine
ostumes, ladies' cricketing and lawn
ennis dresses, all rational, and all pref
?, too. Are they notp Look at this
ress with divided skirt by Worth. He
-on silver medal for it at our exhibit
on ,,