The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1888-03-03
THE FASHIONS.

Why should have been requested
to write upon "the fashions" l do
not know, unless it be because
know little or nothing about them.
One can generally write best of that
OF which he knows least. The mind
is then free from prejudice, and one
can display his ignorance Impair
tally. The results that may SO be
reached are astonishing.
| know the political editors Of sew
eral daily journals. 1t took me some
time to discover what qualifications
they possessed for their positions.
In the end, however, | discovered
that 1t braces d man up to his work
if he starts in on it with the suppo-
sltlon that every one else is as igno-
rant regarding the matter in hand as
is he himself In such case he is not
trammelled by respect for facts and
precedents; and it is only necessary
to act on the principle that every one
opposed to him is wrong.
But it seems to me that the ques-
ton of tree-trade or protection might
be settled definitely one way or the
other. Why not give the country
five years OF free trade? then, on the
top OF that, five years of protection?
At the end of the ten we'd know
which we're the better policy What
is the use of having a new country
and free government if one cannot
try popular experiments with them?
True, we might suffer to some extent
while the experimentation was going
on, but the benefit to posterity GER
tainly would De incalculable.
AS regards the qualifications OF
financial editors for their positions,
one thing surprises me; it also ex-
torts my admiration. | refer to the
iniallibility with which they are
wrong. One would suppose that by
the natural working OF chances All
individual might occasionally be
right. But no; if they call tall"
head is sure to turn up. My respect
for financial editors lessened when
learned that they are generally
chosen from among men who have
failed in financing. And the absur-
dlty of supposing that men W o
could really foretell the course of the
markets would be enlightening others
about it at from twenty to fifty dol
lars week, instead Of operating for
their own benefit, becomes apparent
on moments reflection.
But, as | was saying about fash
ions; perhaps | was asked to write
about them on the suDposition that
| nave been their follower. Indeed
| have frequently followed them-at
a RESPECTFUL distance, in drawing
rooms where trains were worn; closer
on the avenues. The study of femi-
nine ways, particularly on the public
thoroughfares, is a fascinating one
to me. | can tell a woman's position
in life by the manner in which she
holds up her dress when the walks
are sloppy. Commend me to that
one who, Selling the skirt well back
with her right hand, brings it around
to her side with sweep, and there
holds it, with wrist gracefully out
turned, and chin we'll up in the air,
seemingly unconscious OF what she
is doing. She knows very we'll, how
ever, what she is doing, and the
chances are that she carries this
SaUOV faire into other things. This
cannot be said of those who clutch
their skirts in front or at the sides,
and with both hands hold them aloft,
while the rears are dragging in the
mud. The feet well enough take
care of the dress in front, forming a
sufficient platform for it even when
they are of the smallest: but she
were d long-heeled lady indeed who
would rely upon natural extensions
for her train" to rest upon.
"Dress srpporters"-invented per-
haps for the exceptional few who
cannot bear dress were at one
time in vogue But their usefulness
seems to have passed, if indeed ever
they had any. Possibly the idea,
though well enough in its way, was
too limited in its appiication-did
not go far enough; possibly some
thing that would support the woman
as well as the things about her was
wanted and looked for.
Often | marvel that so little inge-
nuity is displayed where the dress OF
women is concerned. Following the
fashions down the avenues, | have
admired the arrangement which,
though not meant for steering pur-
poses, SO neatly Stimulates a rudder,
But noticing the inconvenience with
which it is worked, | have wondered
that the boat had not been further
borrowed from, and Steering ropes"
leading to the front attached to a
tiller rugged athwartships, as in all
well,regulated yachts, yawls, and
other small pleasure craft. The awk-
wardness of having to reach to the
rear whenever they wish to give the
gear a twist to port or to starboard,