Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-06-12
THE TYRANNY OF FASHION.
some Pointed Considerations by Mrs.
Beecher of the Prolific subject.

Beecher of the Prolific Subject.
In an article on THE Modern Woman
and Dress Mrs. Beecher, in the last
Brooklyn Magazine, makes some very shrewd
remarks on the subject of fashions tyr
amy.
In every form of life, where any class is
under the control of one superior power,
the disposition to lay heavy hand on
those who are subordinate, or expected to
follow the laws or teachings of this higher
power, has been manifested from the ear
lest period. But no arbitrary government
can be found that so utterly subjugates its
followers MS that of the tyrant Fashion.
Her slaves are fully conscious that they
are III chains which many would gladly
throw OIL, but none dare take the initiative
steps toward throwing off the shackles.
We are often asked why we do not speak
out plainly on the absurdities of the pre-
vailing modes. In plain words, what good
will it do? Public speakers and the press
are constantly expressing their scorn of
such weakness as women show in blindly
following the dictates of fashion, however
reprehensible. The fashion plates in all
the magazines, that are expected to be
posted in every change the tickle goddess
invents, grow every month more ridicu-
lous-more like the representation found
in Punch, or such paper, than Ike an hon
est delineation of the styles that ladies are
expected to copy.
Those who move in fashionable circles
are, or should be, the best reformers. Not
lacking independence in other things let
them step forward for one season, dress as
richly as their means will warrant, but en-
nance the richness of their attire by its
beautiful simplicity, and mark the change
just one season will effect. But, however
brave in all else, they dare not take a
stand against the tyrant Fashion A." Oh
we couldn't think of taking such step. 1t
would make us SO conspicuous through the
singularity of the act. We should feel
that it was not modest to take such step.
No one person can produce any change in
this matter it must be simultaneous
Had all reformers reasoned thus, what
would now be the condition of
the civilized world? Was ever
any reasoning more ridiculous? Let
some entirely new fashion be limited at, no
matter how absurd, and these very persons
would be the most eager to get the first
chance to display it on their own persons.
But Fshion is a tyrant, and volumes writ
ten in the attempt to control the evils she
brings. will have little effect until women
no longer fear her, and will not shriak in
any efforts TO defy her. In every age there
have arisen those who have attempted to
dethrone her, but her changes are so ab-
rupt and frequent, who is able to keep
track of her erratic movements?
Every little while we hear the cry of
hard times, and all that feel the unusual
pressure acknowledge the necessity OF re-
trenchment. The husbands who supply
the funds for home consumption earnestly
show that strict economy and rellnquish-
ing all luxuries and needless expenses
is the only chance OF coming out from
under the cloud with an unfair
nished name, and retaining the means
to once more build up the family
fortunes into a reputable competency.
But while willing to bear half the burden,
and act with great economy i'll all house
hold expenditures, too many wives feel
the bondage of fashion and lack the cour-
age and good sense to cast of those letters
and act independently. And many, we
are grieved TO say, try always TO economic
and help except i'll those ways that come
under the dominions of fashion. They
wait and wait, and try one after another,
hoping that they may pass the crisis with
out any change in those OUTLAWS that give
them a position as ladies of style and
fashion, until in such an hour as they think
not the last chance of retrieving their Tor
tune is swept away, and they sink with no
hope of regaining their former position.
We acknowledge that, under the
present dispensation, it is almost i'm
possible to combine true economy and
the hight of fashion" therefore,
people of limited means are bound to shake
Off these letters and he governed by coed
practical common sense, or become so in
volved as to threaten the peace and pros
perity of their families.