The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-14
DECoLLETE COSTUMES.
The Moral Effect OF the Society and Stage
Style Of Undress Compared.

The Moral Effect of the Society and Stage
Style Of Undress Compared.
st. Louis Post Dispatch.
The moral aspects of the two extremes lead
one to the verge of a delicate question which is
perhaps better decided by the individual con-
science than by public discussion of the mat
ter. 1t is simply question as to whether gleam-
ing, white or bruno shoulders, necks. busts and
arms with their swelling and curving outlines,
or shapely plump curving, quivering and
rounded limbs poured into seductive silks, are
more suggestive to the natural man of unholy
thoughts. The society young man of artistic
tendencies or Of depraved tastes may, if he
chooses by attending theatrical performance
and afteward dropping into ballroom, by COM
bining pair of we'll shaped limbs, the impress
sion OF which he carries in his minds eye, with
graceful and rounded specimen of upper deco-
lete obtain a model of the nude or so near it as
to answer all practical purposes. This is a view
OF the SUBJECT which is fascinating to the average
society young man. 1t is sometimes possible to
glance from box to the stage and obtain the
same combination.
The effects on the chorus girls are we'll enough
known. and the most interesting study is the
erect on the public, an excellent opportunity for
which has been furnished by the drill of the
Carleton drum corps this week. Without enter
ing into the consideration Of these effects from
scientific standpoint such for instance as the
balancing or the neural system, the over exertion
OF the clrculatory system or the undue repression
and uncertain action of the respiratory system,
there is usually a rush Of blood to the extrem
ties, and particularly rush Of bloods to the
front rows. A certain form of insanity is de-
veloped which is revealed in the fxidity and in
tense expression Of the eyes which are planted
on certain part of the stage, stretching and
craning of the necks almost to the point of dis
location, and a strong inclination to use the
opera glass; This insaN11 becomes distinct
legomania at times and drags the victim
into the theater and holds him there while
the curtain is up. Such symptoms as
winking, ogling, sending bouquets and notes are
minor. but regular indications of the disease.
long attack of it has even been known to result
in loss of hair and partial or entire badness-a
sort of decolleteness of the scalp Opinions on
the subject are hard to obtain. as those who are
consulted show tendency to fghtiness, and the
use OF emphatic language not at all scientific in
nature. The general opinion seems to be. how
ever, that putting aside all consideration of mo-
rality or hygiene, and viewing it purely from an
aesthetic standpoint, # under-decollete results in
such dainty disclosures Of variety of beautiful
shapes, as it does in the case Of Clara Wisdom
and her drum corps, it should be encouraged.
There seems to be a desperate determination ON
the part of the public to sit in the front and
toss morality and hygiene into dark alley.
This is pretty much the same view as that taken
OF the exposure of the society girl, and doubtless
both will go on in spite of the reformer.