New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-10-11
UOuEN FASHION AND BIRDS

Much surprise and unfavorable comment has
been caused by the announcement that the fashion
in women's headgear this fall and winter would
demand renewal of the massacre of birds which
has evoked so much indignant protest Those who
shrink from hasty conclusions have probably gone
somewhere near the mark in surmisng that this
apparent studied defiance of enlightened public
opinion must not be regarded as a cynical manifes-
tation of Indifference both to public censure and
the sufferings of the innocent birds, hut that 1t
probably is attributable to of those trade move
ments which are often behind changes In fashion.
If tho world knew how much it was led by the
nose In these matters 1t might be shamod Into
moro independence. 1t Is an nndoubted fact that
the habit Of blind imitation which is called follow
ing fashion enables great many people to grow
rich whose bank accounts would be much slenderer
did the public only buy new things when they really
needed them In the case of the birds the rational
presumption is that the purveyors of fashion
have been caught with stocks on their shelves and
have forced the hands Of their customers by decree
ing the continued use of plumage, to save them-
selves from loss.
If this proves the true explanation Of the case
there will evidently be less ground for indignation
and alarm than the friends of humanity at present
think But there will be some reason for uneasi-
ness for the triumphs of foolish cruel fashions
depend upon the chronic thoughtlessness of those
who adopt them, and this chronic ghtlessness
does not seem to diminish III volume. Moreover
there is not much evidence of really widespread
revolt among women against the barbarity OF the
bird-massacre. Societies have been formed to
discourage the ornamental use of birds and their
pumage, but if we may judge from what Is con-
stantly visible on the streets, they have not much
influenced feminine action. If too the manipula-
tors and inventors of fashions know what they
about at present-and they doubtless have had
great experience-they must count confidently
upon the carelessness of the majority of the women
who patronize them, for the sentimental and
ethical considerations involved. Nor can it be
looked that whatever the true explanation Of the
present bold attempt to revive fashion emphat-
cally condemned by good taste, public opinion will
ultimately, and not unwarrantably hold account
able the women who, knowing the construction
liable to be put upon their action, yet persist in
encouraging the continual use of birds for deco
rative purposes
For it is plain that il women really want to stop
the abuse they can do so, and that they can do so
without organization concerted action of any
kind. After the exhibits which have been made
of the wantcn and mischievous destruction of
birds no woman who pIetends to Intelligence or
education has any excuse for wearing birds or
plumage in her hat or bonnet. To do so in face of
all the published facts is to enact defiance, or so
it may be interpreted; and defiance, .unfortu-
natey. of the very principles, influences and ten
denotes which it is the special function of woman to
and defend in every way. 1t is not to be
believed that the intention of such defiance enters
seriously into the minds of any considerable num-
Der of women. To suppose that would be to con-
denim them by implication in advance. But
often Stimulates active vice of
sentiment and IT seems to be dong in this case.
Women who think will, however. see quickly the
line of duty in the premises, and they will be
apt to resent strongly and in a practical way the
selfish and hard commercial spirit which apparently
underlies the movement to revive fashion prop
ery denounced as cruel BAL barous aud uncivilized.