The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-12-13
THE STOCKING QUESTION.
Dangers that Would Follow the Omission
of Hose nom the Female wardrobe.

of Hose nom the Female wardrobe.
Bill Nye.
Owing to politics and the iuclemency of the
weather, have rather neglected the matter Of
fashions recently but now that there is tempo
rary lull as / write, few words relative to the
great world Of fashion may not be amiSs
When the subject of forked socks and stock
mgs first began to agitate the public mind rose
and spoke in clarion tones against their use l
saw that our homes were threatened and re-
garded the invasion of the family circle by the
forked sock or the forked skirt as baneful in the
extreme.
now read with sorrow and grave apprehen-
sion that custom. originating in England and
Endorsed by France, is beginning to attract atten-
ton in America. This item of news find in a
Partisan journal of fashion to which am reg
uar subscriber and an occasional contributor,
writing fashionable gossip in the purest French
French is my best hold
The journal alluded to announces that expe-
rienee has shown that the female stocking is
not only useless but absolutely injurious to the
health and comfort of the wearer. AS a result
stockings are to be omitted from the female
wardrobe.
First come the forked stockings, then the BIZ
furcated skirt and then the abolition Of the
Stocking altogether. AS for myself am not an
abohtionist in this case l do not wish to seem
overconservative on important national affairs
but do not think we are yet prepared 10 fling
away our timehonored traditions and our stock
ings | am free to say that approach this sub
ject with good deal of timidity. Il is not a
matter that like to discuss. hate to call at
tention to the results of such a revolution:
Should such custom prevail, and should be
one of gay and festive party at moment when
the common, low, American mouse enters the
room, scattering alarm and apprehension every
where, feel now though l would hardly care
to live. If we abolish stockings we must abolish
mice and dewy lawns.
If | felt perfectly free / would speak more
fully and definitely on this subject, which, may
truly say, lies so near the heart of every true
American.
I know that the man who has been clasped
around the neck on wash-day, as he passed I'M
der the clothes-line, by long, cold, wet pair Of
tinted stockings, may have said in his wrath
that he wished they were abolished, but when he
got calmer he would not feel So
1t may be urged by the so-called reformers
who are at the head of this movement, that it is
for the comfort and convenience of the female
sex alone, and that so far as the great, horrid
man is concerned, it is none of his business.
Mayhap.
And yet we cannot help feeling an interest in
this matter. / hate to needlessly create excite
ment and alarm, but this great social upheaval
is coming upon us so insldi0usly-so stealthily,
as it were-that | feel as though every true
American citizen should be upon his guard On
behalf of my sex, / ask that this foreign custom
may not prevail here.
If this habit becomes fixed in the social circle
I shudder when I thiak of the stage. 1t will be
neglected. / will sell my seat near the large
baritone fiddle and mingle more in society.
All, mol 1t cannot, must not be. This fash
ion certainly will not obtain a foothold in this
country.
The dress may be moderately decollete one
way, but it ought not to be run into the ground.
have rot fully expressed myself but feel
that have said enough to put every one on his
or her guard, as their Case may be- Let us be-
ware of the approach of this evil We can read
lily see whittier this costume. coupled with the
Mother Hubbard dress, is tending 1t will some
day make it necessary for the victim to dress
herself when she retres at night