Wichita eagle., 1886-12-12
9ai19 eagle
WOMAN AND HOME.
MISTAKES OF MAKING CHILDREN
SLAVES TO THEIR CLOTHES.

Hints to Young Ladies Who Rusticate.
Helen Hunt Jackson-Loyc and IDEAL
izinc Proccss-Marrying n Poor DTan.
Paragraphs and Items.
One of the most frequent minor mistakes
Of parents is the making Of children slaves to
their clothes l know whole families Of
children who have never really breathed a
free breath, 50 many cautions have they re-
ceived about soiling or tearing their clothes,
and in such fear have they stood Of the con-
sequences of such petty disasters. 1t is
wicked and cruel to dress children in such
manner that their freedom is restricted by
thoughts Of their clothing and all the frOlic-
some pleasures Of childhood practically for
hidden to them. There are few things which
make one more unhappy than TO see num-
bcr of little girls standing around on sunny
lawn of a summer morning all dressed in i'm
macIlate finery, and with dainty shoes upon
their feet. to whose existence one solitary
childish roTnp would prove fatal
/ have seen them many a time standing
around III this manner, not daring to do a
single natural or childish thing for fear Of
their clothes being soiled and they being re-
preached therefor. 1t is pitiable and exas-
perating The folly OF such mothers is only
eQualed by their cruelty, for it is both foolish
and cruel thus to represS young children.
How can such children have ltalth-the di-
divine birthright Ct all children: How
can they develop any of their natural powers?
How can they lay the foundations of any edu-
cation which is worth the name unless they
are allowed a chance to make their own free
observation of the phenomena of the natural
world. A perfect UncOnsciOusnCsS OF their
clothing is one Of the natural rights Of chill
dren. They should be so dressed that they
shall not feel their clothing Us restricting any
natural action, and in such material as can
be easily clcaned-made 50 simple that the
number Of pieces which goes to the laundry
is of no importance. Thus only can they be
really happy and free, and capable Of de-
yeloping their bodies and minds in q natural
manner. Strong, heavy shoes, free from tho
bgh heels which make crippleS of so many Of
our little girls, are Indispensable.
4 girl has as much right to these things as
a boy And she has the same right to run
and romp, to race through the dewy grass,
and to climb the highest tree if she lie 50
minded Ii she could be saved from her
clothes. liberated from her shoes, emanci-
pated from her complexion, and allowed to
lead natural, simple life till she is obliged to
assume the proprieties of young lsdyhood,
there would be more healthy and hearty and
happy women in this land, more happy
homes, and fewer little graves on the hill
side. Tho slavery Of dress viii begin soon
enough for all girls; let them at least be free
from its tyranny in childhood. They need
not be tasteleasly or unattractively attired
even to do this. Simplicity III dress is always
charming in the young, and for children it is
the only propriety And with simple attire
give them plenty of freedom to enjoy it.
Don't lay too many restrictions upon them.
Let them enjoy life in their own way. Don't
try to cramp them all into one mold. Let
each one develop along the line of his own
individuality Thus only can there lie any
originality in this commonplace world
Chicaco Tribune