Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1886-05-27
ETHICS OF DRESS.
The Connection that Exists Between Morality
and Clothes.
Boston Transcript.


The Connection that Exists Between Morality
and Clothes.
Boston Transcript
biographer of Haydn states that when
he sat down to the composition of any of
his great musical works he first arrayed
himself in the most elegant apparel at
his command; and in like manner Skobe-
/ left of the most brilliant and sue
| cessful 9enerls of modern times before
going into battle always dOnned uniform
of spotless white. No royal bird ever
, plumed its feathers with more pride and
care. These eminent Instances and many
more of similar nature might be quoted,
prove that the self-confdence of mankind
depends, in great degree, upon the tailor
and the dressmaker. Did these but know
their power the human race would be as
puppets in their hands.
1t is quite obvious to the most superb
cial observer that there is an established
relation between certain mental or moral
characteristics and certain styles or pecu-
liarities of dress; but it becomes very
difficult although interesting question to
determine which is cause and which is eff
feet Does the particular trait of charac-
I
seek to express itself in sponding
style of dress? Or does the habit of the
man, accidently adopted, perhaps, super
induce its kindred shade of character:
However this may be, it cannot be doubt
ed that in most instances the one Is at
least the reflex of the other. II Is not
wholly for the delectation of small boys
and nursery maids that the soldier is ar
rayed in all the pauoply of war. Nor Is
it a mere accident that from the imme-
mortal sack-cloth (of one description or
another) has been the common garb of
the penitent. The shallow vanity, lnsin-
certify, and pitiful moral weakness of the
/ shabby genteel could not be expressed
more plainly than they are in the thread
bare fnery by which they attempt to palm
/ themselves off for which they are not.
! These only excite contempt, whereas all
/ true men are glad to make obeisance
! to the honest darn of what DR.. johnson
called 'premediated poverty" sturdy
! beggar in his rags may command respect
/ and even excite remorse when in manly
resentment of some sight, he threatens,
| like old Ochiltree, to beg of US no more.
/ 1t is, again physiological fact that there
/ is a close relation between the particular
style of the clergyman's waistcOat and his
! theological views. Who has even seen the
upholder of the apostolic succession in a
/ low-cut vests Such radical devices are
( adopted only by the exponent of a broad
q or lower theology. Indeed as the opin-
/ ions of the latter become broader and low
er, their effect upon the outward man ad-
vrnces pajl pdSsu. and it is perceived even
/ in the extremities, finally resulting, in
some extreme cases. in the homogeneous
combination Of a clerical choker with
neither garments of the intense secular
/ ity.
There is also an orderly and it would
seem inevitable correspondence between
/ the dress of the placid and self-contained
/ Quaker and those peculiar traits which, it
/ is generally assumed, distinguish him
/ from the more fashy and turbulent por-
/ ton of mankind. This is still more APP
parent and attractive in the sedate pat
terms and subdued colors as of soft
/ twilight affected by the gentle Quakress
I With CROPPING lid and glance half GOV
/ half furtive, she retreats into the deep re-
/ cesses of her poke bonnet as into a sanct-
nary. Did mortal man ever presume tC
make love to such BY what profane steps
/ is she led to the matrimonial altar! Can
4
I it be possible that even a Quakress will in
\ dulge in those friyolities by which ordin
airy mortals are wooed and won? Or is il
indeed true that her only communication
upon such occasions is verify, yea, yea OF
sometimes, perchance, nay, nay!
The author of a Trip Through Nasal
/ Land" gives it as a result of his observa
ton upon the people of Central Africa
thai there Is no necessary connections be
tween morality and clothes, for he found
several tribes which had entirely discarded
or. rather, never had assumed, the latter
were in character, and habits vastly super
Tor to their wardrobe, had more nearly
approached the standard civilization
From this conclusion of the African ira
Weller let Us hope that the speculative
mind may derive some solace and solu
ton for the amazement and bewilderment
into which it was otter thrown by toilets
of fashionable Europe and America.