The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-17

ghost in some old fashion book. we shudder
and cry, How hideousl is it possible ever
wore that thingY"
1t would really be an act OF ingrattude
and folly for the business woman to adopt
the crinoline. The men who had befrlended
her would rue the day, when they saw them
selves crowded out Of their offices by cap
tive balloons.
AS for the men who have Systematically
declared women to be nuisance I'D nusl-
ness life. they would rub their hands with
glee and chueklp, I'VE told you So"
The society girl win suffer less from the
crinoline, but even to her the joys Of theater
going will be poisoned unless managers are
Oblieing enough to have 'crinoline stalls"
fitted up for the especial accommodation of
girls who will not fit into the ordinary seats.
The society girl who wears a crinoline
will probably become a great pedestrian
as she will find riding on the cars both Dis
agreeable and humiliating.
OF course, no man would think OF giving
bis seat to girl in a crinoline One seat
indeed would be insufficient for her, two
men would have to rise, and though San
Francisco has many gallant men willing TO
foregO their seats in the car for the sake Of
a woman, there is not a man in this city
who would give up his seat 10 oblige Grim
oline.
1t is not only one. but every class of
women who must band together if crino-
line is TO be kept out of this town.
We absolutely require the example and
support of society women and of women
prominent In the arts and the professions.
Such women are always looked 10 for an
example in social matters as in all others.
For the league to be a success, 1t must
also be sustained by that great majority Of
women whose home ties leave them little
time for engaging In outside affairs, and
whose action in the crinoline matter would
almost carry a casting vote.
Happily for herself the American society
woman IS very different being from her
sister In Southern Europe.
No string of titles could compensate for
the dTeary life Of "noblesse oblige" that
hens about great Italian or Spanish lady
of title. She never travels by foot nor in
the conveyances patronized by ordinary In
dyiduals, and is as carefully guarded from
contact with the ordinary world as a doll in
a glass case. Whether she adopts the erin
oline or not. it will only affect her immedi-
ate acquaintance.
But how different the American society
woman. who goes about with perfect free
dom and has an influence extending far
beyond her immediate circle.
1t is a matter of grave moment whether
she will set the example of crnoiine or not.
If she does her example will be initiated.
for her less fashionable sisters will never
be able tc stand alone against the tide Of
fashion.
If the society woman. on the other hand,
has the courage and the unsefshness to
make sacrifices she will accomplish more
than she imagines.
What will she accomplish" may be
asked
Why, will she not show that instead of
merely following the fashion she has the
power of leading it. She can make fashion
| ebb and flow as she will. and not be borne
along like straw in the current.
American women, almost without eXcep-
| ton. are conscientious. 1t is to those in
| high places that I appeal especially, beg
| ging them to set their faces against the Grim
| oine for the sake of their working sisters.
| Every illustrious name that is added to
/ the league will certainly bring others with
/ 1t, and every mans that IS added st all is one
| more link in the chain.
Women are not yet firmly enough estab-
lshed in the professional and business world
| to be able to afford 10 make themselves ride
ulous aud troublesome by wearing crino-
lines. MARIE EVELYN.